Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41669064›Full record

ArticleJournal of orthopaedic case reports2026

A Pediatric Case of Stiff-Person Syndrome: Presentation and Comparative Analysis.

Lessoued Alaeddine, Bahroun Sami, Karray Ismail, Toumi Seifeddine, Jlailia Zied, Smida Mahmoud

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of orthopaedic case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Lessoued AlaeddineDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Kassab Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.
Bahroun SamiDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Kassab Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.
Karray IsmailDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Kassab Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.
Toumi SeifeddineDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Kassab Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.
Jlailia ZiedDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Kassab Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.
Smida MahmoudDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Kassab Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle rigidity and spasms. While it predominantly affects adults, pediatric cases are exceptionally rare, often leading to delayed diagnosis due to non-specific early clinical manifestations. Case Report: We report the case of an 11-year-old boy with progressive gait abnormalities and rigidity, initially misdiagnosed as an orthopedic disorder. The patient exhibited a forward-leaning posture, absent lumbar lordosis, and significant muscle tightness, leading to a primary surgical intervention. Despite initial improvement, symptom recurrence prompted further evaluation, ultimately raising suspicion of SPS. The absence of pyramidal or extrapyramidal signs complicated early diagnosis, highlighting the challenges in recognizing SPS in pediatric patients. Discussion: SPS diagnosis relies on clinical criteria, serological markers, and electromyography. Autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) are commonly associated, although other markers may be present in atypical forms. Pediatric SPS is often misdiagnosed as dystonia, metabolic myopathy, or an orthopedic disorder. The underlying pathophysiology involves autoimmune-mediated dysfunction of GABAergic inhibitory neurons, resulting in loss of muscle control. Treatment strategies include immunomodulatory therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulins and rituximab, alongside symptomatic management with baclofen and benzodiazepines. Long-term rehabilitation is essential to prevent complications and improve functional outcomes. Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of pediatric SPS and the importance of multidisciplinary management. Early recognition is critical to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions and optimize therapeutic strategies. Greater awareness and further research are necessary to refine diagnostic approaches and treatment protocols in pediatric SPS.

Indexed as

anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodiesautoimmune neurologyimmunotherapymuscle rigiditypediatricsStiff-person syndrome

Identifiers

PMID41669064
PMCPMC12884161

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