Stiff Person Syndrome Associated with Compartment Syndrome

Abstract

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare and disabling neurological disorder of autoimmune origin, characterized by progressive stiffness and muscle spasms affecting the axial and limb muscles, most frequently associated with antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase. We describe a patient who presented initially with compartment syndrome and was later diagnosed with SPS.This is the first case report of SPS possibly presenting initially with compartment syndrome. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing that patients with SPS may present with varied manifestations, including compartment syndrome, which by itself is a medical emergency.

Keywords

• Stiff person syndrome
• Compartment syndrome
• Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody
• Autoimmune disease