What are the causes and pathological characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis?

Generally, ankylosing spondylitis may be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic tendonitis, and other factors. The primary pathological changes include vertebral ossification and disc calcification, inflammatory response, enthesopathy (lesions at tendon or ligament attachment sites), autoimmune response, and involvement of multiple organs. If experiencing any discomfort, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Etiology

1. Genetic Factors

Ankylosing spondylitis shows significant familial clustering and is closely related to genetic factors. Maintaining good lifestyle habits, avoiding excessive fatigue, and maintaining correct sitting and standing postures can help reduce the burden on the spine.

2. Environmental Factors

Long-term exposure to cold and humid environments may increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. It is important to keep warm, avoid cold exposure, pay attention to weather changes, and dress appropriately.

3. Synovitis

Synovitis may be caused by infection with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. Inflammation leads to hyperemia, edema, and proliferation of the synovium, which can trigger ankylosing spondylitis, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as joint stiffness. Treatment may include medications such as sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, methotrexate tablets, and glucosamine sulfate capsules, under a physician's guidance.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cold and humid environments may trigger rheumatoid arthritis, which activates the immune system and leads to autoimmune attacks on the spinal joints, potentially causing ankylosing spondylitis. Morning stiffness is commonly observed, and patients often wake at night due to back pain. Treatment may involve medications such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, and prednisone acetate tablets, as directed by a physician.

5. Chronic Tendonitis

Infection with microorganisms such as mycoplasma may lead to tendonitis, causing tendon damage and fibrosis. Tendon fibrosis further restricts the range of motion and worsens dysfunction of the spine and joints, thereby triggering ankylosing spondylitis, which may be accompanied by pain and other symptoms. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as compound chlorzoxazone tablets, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, and celecoxib capsules for treatment.

II. Pathology

1. Vertebral Ossification and Disc Calcification

A characteristic pathological change in ankylosing spondylitis is ossification of the spine, including vertebral ossification and intervertebral disc calcification. This process leads to spinal curvature and rigidity, significantly affecting the patient's mobility.

2. Inflammatory Response

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis often exhibit signs of systemic inflammation, such as elevated C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This inflammatory response is not limited to joints but may also affect multiple body systems, leading to systemic symptoms.

3. Enthesopathy

A hallmark pathological feature of ankylosing spondylitis is enthesopathy, or inflammation at the tendon-bone junctions. This inflammation leads to the formation of bone spurs at the ligament attachment sites, further aggravating joint destruction and deformity.

4. Autoimmune Response

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies and immune cells that target its own tissues. These immune cells and antibodies attack joints and other tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage.

5. Multi-organ Involvement

Ankylosing spondylitis not only affects the joints but may also involve multiple organs such as the eyes, heart, and lungs. For example, acute uveitis or iritis may occur in the eyes, and cardiovascular involvement may lead to cardiac abnormalities, although clinical symptoms are relatively rare. These manifestations of multi-organ involvement further complicate the treatment of the disease.

In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, balanced nutrition, appropriate exercise to strengthen muscles, enhance physical resistance, and undergo regular health checkups.