Spondylitis Association of America
| Ankylosing spondylitis | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Bekhterev's disease, Bechterew's disease, morbus Bechterew, Bekhterev-Strümpell-Marie disease, Marie's disease, Marie–Strümpell arthritis, Pierre–Marie's disease |
_anagoria.JPG) |
|
| A 6th-century skeleton showing fused vertebrae, a sign of severe ankylosing spondylitis. | |
| Specialty | Rheumatology |
| Symptoms | Back pain, joint stiffness |
| Usual onset | Young adulthood |
| Duration | Long term |
| Causes | Unknown |
| Diagnostic method | Symptom based, medical imaging, blood tests |
| Treatment | Medication, exercise, and surgery |
| Medication | NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs |
| Frequency | 0.1 to 1.8% |
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| External resources |
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis in which there is long term inflammation of the joints of the spine. Typically the joints where the spine joins the pelvis are also affected. Occasionally other joints such as the shoulders or hips are involved. Eye and bowel problems may also occur. Back pain is a characteristic symptom of AS, and it often comes and goes. Stiffness of the affected joints generally worsens over time.
Although the cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. More than 90% of those affected have a specific human leukocyte antigen known as the HLA-B27 antigen. The underlying mechanism is believed to be autoimmune or autoinflammatory. Diagnosis is typically based on the symptoms with support from medical imaging and blood tests. AS is a type of seronegative spondyloarthropathy, meaning that tests show no presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies. It is also within a broader category known as axial spondyloarthritis.
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatments may improve symptoms and prevent worsening. This may include medication, exercise, and surgery. Medications used include NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs such as sulfasalazine, and biologic agents such as infliximab.
...
Wikipedia