What is Ankylosing spondylitis?

a type of arthritis characterised by long-term inflammation of the joints of the spine, typically where the spine joins the pelvis

What is the common presentation of Ankylosing spondylitis?

a chronic dull pain in the lower back or gluteal region and stiffness of the lower back

What patient groups is Ankylosing spondylitis most common?

Onset most common in young adults, peak onset at 20 to 30

What are the main clinical features of Ankylosing spondylitis?

• limitation/loss of spinal movement
• Systemic features are often present: weight loss, fever, or fatigue often present
• anterior uveitis (seen in 30%)
• cardiac involvement: inflammation of the aorta, aortic valve insufficiency, conduction changes
• lung involvement: fibrosis of the upper portion of the lung

How is Ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?

• diagnosed via radiological findings
• if no changes on imaging due to early disease can be diagnosed via:
  • history/family history
  • HLA-B27
  • response to NSAIDs
  • raised inflammatory markers

What is the management of Ankylosing spondylitis?

No known cure, management involves symptom control and slowing progression

Which specific human leukocyte antigen is most associated with Ankylosing spondylitis?

HLA-B27