Procto-colitis and other pelvic infections in relation to ankylosing spondylitis: With a note on the vertebral venous system

Abstract

Summary 1. Seven new cases of ankylosing spondylitis occurring in patients with ulcerative procto-colitis are reported. 2. The significance of pelvic (genito-urinary and alimentary) sepsis as an aetiological factor of sacroiliac arthritis and of ankylosing spondylitis is discussed. 3. Acute or chronic pelvic visceral sepsis may be responsible for destructive lesions of the sacro-iliac joints and elsewhere in the bony pelvis. These lesions may be frankly suppurative, or there may be no pus formation. 4. It is suggested that, in some patients, constitutionally and genetically determined, non-suppurative sacro-iliac arthritis, provoked by pelvic sepsis, may herald the development of classical ankylosing spondylitis. 5. It is concluded that chronic pelvic sepsis may be a major exciting or provocative factor in the development of ankylosing spondylitis. 6. A note is added describing the vertebral venous system; its possible pathological significance is discussed. This system may be involved in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.