Etiology and Pathology of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disorder of the spine, characterized by initial involvement of the sacroiliac joints, followed by upward extension along the spine, ultimately leading to fibrous or bony ankylosis and deformity. It is a seronegative connective tissue disease. The exact etiology remains unclear; however, the histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27 is strongly associated with this condition, with a positivity rate as high as 88%–96%.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease with which people are quite familiar. However, in real life, some patients do not fully understand its causes. What are the etiology and pathology of ankylosing spondylitis?
Etiology and Pathology of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic progressive inflammatory disorder of the spine. Its hallmark is that the pathological changes typically begin in the sacroiliac joints and gradually spread upward along the spine, leading to fibrous or bony ankylosis and spinal deformity. This condition is classified as a seronegative connective tissue disease. The exact cause remains unclear, but there is a strong association with the human leukocyte antigen HLA-B27, which shows a positive rate of up to 88%–96%. Early medication is recommended to prevent deformities and improve function.
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis mainly include joint manifestations: the initial symptom is usually low back pain or pain in the lumbar region accompanied by morning stiffness. It may also present as unilateral or bilateral pain in the buttocks or groin area, with symptoms occurring during rest or inactivity. Pain often worsens after prolonged sitting or at night. 2. Typical features include inflammatory back pain, along with enthesitis—such as pain at the heel (e.g., Achilles tendon insertion), plantar fascia insertion points—and pain in the knee joints, costosternal joints, or spinous processes.
Extra-articular manifestations: these primarily include the following symptoms: recurrent uveitis or iritis; dilation of the ascending aortic root, aortic valve abnormalities, and cardiac conduction system disturbances; renal dysfunction; and upper lung interstitial lesions. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness.
