Clin Pain.  2023 Dec;22(2):127-130. 10.35827/cp.2023.22.2.127.

Kennedy’s Disease with Chronic Low Back Pain and Muscle Weakness

• Kim JY
• Park YS
• Chang HJ
• Park JG
• Cho ES
• Kim DH
• Lee JH
• Kim SJ

• KMID: 2550415
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.35827/cp.2023.22.2.127

Abstract

Kennedy’s disease (KD) or bulbospinal muscular atrophy is an uncommon x-linked recessive genetic disorder. Its diagnosis is challenging due to its wide array of clinical manifestations and difficulty distinguishing it from other motor neuron diseases. Thus, diagnosis is confirmed through DNA testing. 52-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with chronic low back pain (LBP) and muscle weakness. The patient had mild weakness in some proximal muscles, increased deep tendon reflex. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed degenerative changes. Motor nerve conduction test results showed close to the normal. Sensory nerve conduction test results showed decreased latency and amplitude in most nerves. Needle electromyography revealed fasciculation potentials, diffuse fibrillation potentials, and positive sharp waves were detected. Thus, molecular genetic testing was performed. Consequently, KD was diagnosed. These results suggest the importance of detailed history taking and neurological examination even for patients with chronic LBP to rule out severe diseases.

Keyword

Kennedy’s disease; Low back pain; Muscle weakness