Work

Case reports: Pulmonary destructive lesions caused by ankylosing spondylitis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) frequently produces thoracic-cage deformities-kyphosis and rib fusion-that restrict chest expansion and impair ventilation, occasionally progressing to atelectasis or pulmonary fibrosis. Such pulmonary manifestations are often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or fungal disease. Case presentation: We describe two AS patients with bilateral upper-lobe destruction whose initial chest CT scans suggested tuberculosis. After thorough microbiological work-up remained negative, both were diagnosed with AS-associated lung injury (ASLI) and referred to rheumatology. Because destroyed lung carries lifelong risks of infection and hemorrhage, long-term respiratory follow-up was recommended. Conclusion: We describe two AS patients with bilateral upper-lobe destruction whose initial chest CT scans suggested tuberculosis. After thorough microbiological work-up remained negative, both were diagnosed with AS-associated lung injury (ASLI) and referred to rheumatology. Because destroyed lung carries lifelong risks of infection and hemorrhage, long-term respiratory follow-up was recommended.

Source: Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases

DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2026.100604

Authors: Senlin Zhan, Hongyi Zhang, Qiaoli Peng, Hongjuan Qin, Peize Zhang

Institution: Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Spondyloarthritis Studies and Treatments

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,470