Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Flashcards
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?
A systemic autoimmune disease associated with chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints, often leading to spinal fusion and stiffness.
What is the typical age of onset for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Typically between 15-30 years of age.
Which gender is more commonly affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Males.
What is the strong genetic association found in 95% of AS patients?
HLA-B27.
Ankylosing Spondylitis has links with which types of diseases?
Inflammatory bowel diseases and leaky gut.
What infections are linked to Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Urogenital or intestinal infections such as salmonella and shigella.
True or False: Ankylosing Spondylitis can lead to spinal fusion.
True.
Fill in the blank: The term ‘ankylosis’ refers to _______.
[fusion].
What does the prefix ‘spondylo-‘ refer to?
[spine].
What does the suffix ‘-itis’ signify?
[inflammation].
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?
A type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints
AS is characterized by chronic pain and stiffness.
What are the typical initial symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Sacroiliac and lower lumbar spine pain
Symptoms often progress up the spine.
How does morning stiffness relate to Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Worsening morning stiffness is a common symptom
This stiffness typically improves with activity.
What happens to the lumbar lordosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The lumbar lordosis flattens
Patients may develop kyphosis as a result.
What types of pain are commonly associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Hip and heel (Achilles) pain
These pains are frequently reported by patients.
What percentage of patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis experience acute iritis?
20%
This condition is associated with HLA-B27 diseases.
List some systemic symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Malaise
These symptoms can accompany the primary spinal symptoms.
True or False: Lower back symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis often improve with activity.
True
Physical activity is generally beneficial for relieving pain.
What condition is characterized by the fusion of spinal vertebrae?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
This condition involves chronic inflammation leading to calcification.
What are the key diagnostic markers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Elevated blood inflammatory markers (ESR/CRP), HLA-B27 positive
Imaging techniques like X-ray and MRI can also reveal characteristic changes.
What is a characteristic radiological finding in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Bamboo spine
This term describes the appearance of the spine on X-ray due to fusion.
What are some allopathic treatment options for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Surgery
- Anti-inflammatories (including non-steroidal and steroids)
These treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What are some natural treatment approaches for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Nutrition (remove pathogenic organisms / elimination diet / increase vitamin D and antioxidants)
- Herbs (anti-inflammatory)
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
These methods focus on holistic management and symptom relief.
Fill in the blank: Elevated blood inflammatory markers such as _______ and _______ are indicators of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
ESR, CRP
These markers help in the diagnosis of the condition.
