Ankylosing spondylitis: the challenge of early diagnosis

Postgraduate Medicine
W R Felts

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis can present a difficult diagnostic challenge. Not only is its etiology unknown, but its clinical manifestations are myriad and sometimes precede classic low back pain by years. The foremost aid in diagnosis is an awareness of these manifestations, coupled with a willingness to make a tentative (possible or probable) diagnosis of the disease. HLA-B27 positivity and radiologic evidence of sacroiliitis cannot be considered more than nonspecific findings. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier therapy can be instituted to prevent or minimize disabling deformities. Patient education is integral to therapy and should stress proper posture and exercise in addition to realistic expectations. Medication, particularly the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, to relieve pain and timely surgical intervention, such as total hip replacement, to relieve pain and/or improve function may also be necessary.

References

Oct 23, 1975·The New England Journal of Medicine·A Calin, J F Fries
Mar 1, 1977·The Medical Clinics of North America·E G Engleman, E P Engleman
Sep 15, 1977·The New England Journal of Medicine·E P RadfordP G Smith
Sep 1, 1972·Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases·M I CawleyJ Ball
Apr 28, 1973·Lancet·D A BrewertonR D Sturrock
Apr 5, 1973·The New England Journal of Medicine·L SchlossteinC M Pearson
Jul 1, 1971·Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases·J M Moll, V Wright
Dec 1, 1981·Arthritis and Rheumatism·F KozinT Lawson
Feb 1, 1982·Arthritis and Rheumatism·M OstensenG Husby
Dec 1, 1981·Arthritis and Rheumatism·A S RusselS LeClercq
Mar 1, 1964·Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases·J H KELLGREN

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.