Atlantoaxial subluxation and hydrocephalus [corrected] in rheumatoid arthritis.

We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis with anterior and vertical atlantoaxial subluxation. Our patient developed severe spastic quadriparesis and pyramidal tract signs. Cephalic computerized tomogram scan showed evidence of evolutive communicating hydrocephalus and the odontoid peg protruding in the posterior fossa. The patient recovered after cerebral spinal fluid ventricle-peritoneal shunting and occipitocervical arthrodesis. No other neurologic complications occurred during a 6-year followup.