Introduction:

The diagnosis of myelomeningocele associated with another pathology is not frequent. Only one case report of a child with myelomeningocele, cerebral palsy, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was found. The objective of this study is to describe the evaluation and physical therapy (PT) treatment of a girl diagnosed with myelomeningocele and JIA in a public pediatric hospital.

Case presentation:

A girl diagnosed prenatally with myelomeningocele started follow-up in our institution at the age of 1 year and 3 months in November 2015. At the age of 5 years, she presented with one-year history of pain, heat sensation, and increased size and deformity of elbows, wrists, and knees. She was evaluated by the rheumatology service in 2020. Imaging and laboratory studies were requested for a differential diagnosis. In July 2021, the diagnosis of JIA was confirmed. She began pharmacological treatment and adapted PT, with an improvement in her joint activity, functional capacity, and quality of life.

Conclusion:

This case report describes the progress of a girl with myelomeningocele diagnosed with JIA at the age of 5 years. She began pharmacological treatment and adapted PT, with an improvement in her joint activity, functional capacity, and quality of life.

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