Axial Spondylarthritis

Spondyloarthropathies

The Spondyloarthropathies are a group of conditions that can cause inflammation in the spine, the sacroiliac joints (joints at the back of the pelvis) and any other joint in the body. The joints most often affected are the knees, ankles, feet and elbows, but any joint can be affected.

The terminology for these condtions has recently changed. Ankylosing Spondylitis is now known as Axial Spondyloarthropathy.

Axial Spondyloarthropathy can be termed as radiographic which means it shows up on x-rays and non-radiographic which means it shows up on MRI scans only

Occasionally Axial Spondyloarthropathy is diagnosed when x-rays and MRIs are normal, but this is unusual and when it happens there is a lot of evidence to support the diagnosis e.g. typical symptoms, good response to treatment, positive blood test results and the presence of other associated conditions.

The other types of arthritis within the Spondyloarthropathy group are:

  • Psoriatic arthritis

    This affects about 7 to 10% of people who either have psoriasis or have a family history of psoriasis. This type of arthritis is more likely to affect the hands and wrists.

  • Inflammatory Bowel disease-related arthritis

    Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative colitis.

  • Reactive arthritis

    This is triggered by certain types of infections, in the majority of people who get this it settles with time. A small percentage of people with it need long-term treatment.

To have a diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthropathy there always needs to be back symptoms.

Psoriatic arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel disease-related arthritis and Reactive arthritis do not always have spinal involvement (back pain) and can only affect the joints.

As well as an association with psoriasis and IBD, inflammation in the eyes, called uveitis can be associated with the Spondyloarthropathies.

The Spondyloarthopathies are associated with the HLA-B27 gene but this is not a diagnostic test. For example about 10% of the population here have this gene but only about 1% have axial Spondyloarthropathy.

 

Published: 06/07/2022 14:51