Spondyloarthritis Flashcards
(13 cards)
what is ankylosing spondylitis
a chronic inflammatory disease of the spine and sacro-iliac joints of unknown aetiology
how does ankylosing spondylitis usually present
the typical patient is a man <30 who presents with gradual onset lower back pain that is worse during the night, with morning stiffness relieved by exercise
pain radiates from sacro-iliac joints to the hips/buttocks and usually improves towards the end of the day
progressive loss of spinal movement
what eye complication may be seen in ankylosing spondylitis
acute iritis
what conditions ankylosing spondylitis associated with
osteoporosis
aortic valve incompetence
pulmonary apical fibrosis
what abnormalities on blood test would you see in ankylosing spondylitis
raised ESR, raised CRP
what investigations should you do if you suspect ank spond
diagnosis is clinical
MRI - allows detection of active inflammation as welll as destructive changes
Xray
Bloods - ESR/CRP/genetic testing
what might you see on Xray in ank spond
joint space narrowing
sclerosis
ankylosis
vertebral body squaring
what is ankylosis
abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones
how do you manage ankylosing spondylitis
exercise
NSAIDs
TNFa blockers in severe cases
what antigen is commonly associated with spondyloarthritis
HLA B27
describe the epidemiology of reactive arthritis
younger adults
20-40yrs
equally M:F
uncommon in black ethnic origins
what is reactive arthritis
a condition where arthritis and other conditions coccur as part of an autoimmune response to infection elsewhere in the body
how do you manage reactive arthritis
no specific cure
splint affected joints acutely
treat w/ NSAIDs or local steroid injections
