Axial disease

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the state of the art for axial involvement in psoriatic arthritis (axial PsA). The definition and measurement of axial PsA still remain problematic and this, in turn, could affect the best approach of recognition and treatment of this intriguing subset of the psoriatic disease. Axial PsA has been studied over the last few years looking at the difference in function and radiological findings compared mainly to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), trying to differentiate it from a coincidental AS with psoriasis. Moreover, an assessment on a possible Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) in PsA patients and clinical-radiological differences to axial PsA has been evaluated. The role of potential new imaging techniques, such as MRI, in the assessment of axial PsA has been considered in this chapter. The diagnosis and treatment of axial PsA has been reported by using the data obtained from the literature.