Spinal lesions and fractures

Posted by emm0284 @emm0284, Oct 19 10:24am

Has anyone heard of an autoimmune condition that leads to lytic lesions on the spine? Around 2021-22 I developed unexplained symptoms: joint pain in feet and wrists, and then vasculitis in lower legs. Rheumatologists did blood work and x-rays and said it's inflammatory arthritis, but no rheumatoid marker. Then this year I developed a compression fracture in my lumbar spine, which led to posterior fusion surgery. The cause was a lytic lesion in my lumbar spine, and I have smaller lytic lesions on my thoracic spine. All doctors assumed multiple myeloma because I have MGUS, but PET scans, bone marrow biopsies, bloodwork, and urine analysis are not showing multiple myeloma. Doctors don't know what to make of it. Last rheumatologist says nothing she treats would have caused a compression fracture in my spine. I'm not sure where to turn next, and I'm worried about the lesions on my spine progressing to something more serious. I am an otherwise healthy 60-year-old woman who was very active until all of this occurred.

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It sounds as if the rheumatologist work up is UN revealing u should consider testing for malignancy and infection. Not to scare you, just as a precaution

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Profile picture for laura1970 @laura1970

It sounds as if the rheumatologist work up is UN revealing u should consider testing for malignancy and infection. Not to scare you, just as a precaution

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@laura1970
Thank you.

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Profile picture for emm0284 @emm0284

@emm0284 I meant to say, IF I if sounds like the rheumatologist tests are unrevealing…

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A possible biopsy of the lesion to rule out anything serious, just to be sure. Blessings to you.

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Profile picture for lkirnbauer @lkirnbauer

A possible biopsy of the lesion to rule out anything serious, just to be sure. Blessings to you.

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@lkirnbauer
Thank you.

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My MRI showed Stenosis at L4 and 5, Spondylitis and several Tarlov cysts.
I had surgery on my L4 and L5, but the most painful issue is the Tarlov cysts — and unfortunately, there’s very little that can be done to change that.

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Thank you. I hope you find relief from your pain soon.

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