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Definition:
· A chronic,
systemic inflammatory rheumatic disorder with the predilection for spinal
column involvement and inflammation at sites where the tendons and ligaments
attach to the bones (enthesitis).
·
Sacroilitis is its hallmark.
· It has
a strong genetic predisposition highlighted by it’s association with a normal
gene called HLA-B27, that is present in a small percentage of the general
population.
Clinical features:
· Chronic
inflammatory low back pain and stiffness
· Limitation
of spinal mobility and chest expansion
· Acute
anterior uveitis (eye inflammation) or other less common extra-articular
(other-than-joint) manifastions in some patients.
·
Characteristic X-ray findings include (sacroilitis and spondylitis)
· Association
with psoriasis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease in some patients
·
Generally good symptomatic relief with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs).
For further details:
Free Medical Education with Slides and CME.
Book:
Ankylosing
Spondylitis: The Facts*
PHYSICIANS ONLY BASDAI and BASFI Test
Medical
Disclaimer: The information posted on this website is not meant to take the
place of medical advice from your personal physician or health care
professional. We encourage users of our website to discuss all medical questions
with their personal physician or specialist, and prior to initiating any
change of treatment, medication, or therapy. We also encourage the viewers to
discuss these questions with a rheumatologist if they have not done so in the
past. We have provided a link to assist you
in finding a rheumatologist in your area if your primary care physician is
unable to recommend one.
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