History Of Ankylosing Spondylitis Research Articles

Single-stage bilateral conversion arthroplasty for hip fusion via direct anterior approach in a patient with severe ankylosing spondylitis and kyphoscoliosis: a case report

BackgroundSevere ankylosing spondylitis (AS) frequently involves hip joints and, occasionally, presents with concurrent spinal deformities, such as kyphoscoliosis, creating complex challenges for surgical management.Case presentationWe present a 26-year-old Persian male with a history of AS and severe kyphoscoliosis, leading to bilateral hip fusion and immobility. Following spinal deformity correction, a one-stage bilateral conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) was conducted through the direct anterior approach.ConclusionPrimary correction of spinal deformities allows for extended surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Single stage bilateral hip conversion arthroplasty via the direct anterior approach enhances postoperative mobilization, reduce the risk of re-ankylosis, and improve the overall quality of life for AS patients with this unique presentation.

A223 UNMASKED OR INDUCED COLITIS: COULD IT BE SECUKINUMAB?

Abstract Background Spondyloarthropathies (SpA), such as Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) are inflammatory disorders which have coheritability with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of IL-17A used to treat SpA, but has also been reported to cause de novo and exacerbations of known IBD. Rare reports of Secukinumab induced microscopic colitis have also been documented. Purpose To present and discuss the diagnostic challenges in a case of undifferentiated colitis in a patient with AS treated with Secukinumab. Method Case report and literature review. Result(s) Case Report: A 62-year-old male with a history of AS was admitted to hospital with acute on chronic diarrhea. The patient’s AS was unresponsive to Infliximab, Methotrexate, and Adalimumab, although the latter improved his diarrhea at the time. A Colonoscopy completed 14 years earlier for chronic diarrhea was endoscopically normal with biopsies of the left colon notable for mild patchy inflammation and fibrosis. A subsequent Colonoscopy with random biopsies 8 years later showed normal mucosa while he was treated with Adalimumab. He was started on Secukinumab 4 months prior to hospitalization noting progressive watery diarrhea and weight loss of 15kg. Investigations were notable for microcytic anemia (Hemoglobin 120 g/L, MCV 78 fL), elevated CRP (33 mg/L), and a creatinine of 508 µmol/L. Negative tTg antibodies and normal IgA levels ruled out celiac disease. Stool studies were unremarkable. Colonoscopy showed several linear ulcerations in the descending colon and rectum with a normal terminal ileum, transverse, and ascending colon. Biopsies from the endoscopically normal mucosa showed thickened subepithelial collagen band suggestive of microscopic colitis while the ulcerated regions showed cryptic rupture with associated granuloma representing possible Crohn’s colitis versus drug-induced injury. Stains were negative for CMV. Secukinumab was stopped and he was started on Budesonide with significant improvement in symptoms. Literature Review Almost half of all patients with SpA have microscopic intestinal inflammation and of these, 7% eventually develop IBD. Shorter symptom duration, higher SpA activity and male sex are known risk factors for underlying intestinal involvement. However, the exact role of microscopic intestinal inflammation in SpA has yet to be determined. Secukinumab is an inhibitor of IL-17A with significant efficacy in the treatment of SpA but has been associated with exacerbations of Crohn’s disease and de novo cases of IBD. Thus, the role of IL-17 in IBD remains uncertain and may suggest a protective effect rather than an inflammatory one seen in SpA. The long half-life of Secukinumab (24-31 days) presents challenges when considering treatment with other biologics, such as anti-TNFs, which may cause excessive immunosuppression. Image Conclusion(s) New onset colitis is a described but rare entity in patients treated with Secukinumab presenting several diagnostic and treatment challenges. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Perioperative risk stratification of spine trauma patients with ankylosing spinal disorders: a comparison of 3 quantitative indices.

Patients with ankylosing spinal disorders (ASDs), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), have been shown to experience significantly increased rates of postoperative complications. Despite this, very few risk stratification tools have been validated for this population. As such, the purpose of this study was to identify predictors of adverse events and mortality in ASD patients undergoing surgery for 3-column fractures. All adult patients with a documented history of AS or DISH who underwent surgery for a traumatic 3-column fracture between 2000 and 2020 were identified. Perioperative variables, including comorbidities, time to diagnosis, and number of fused segments, were collected. Three instruments, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), modified frailty index (mFI), and Injury Severity Score (ISS), were computed for each patient. The primary outcomes of interest included 1-year mortality, as well as postoperative complications. A total of 108 patients were included, with a mean ± SD age of 73 ± 11 years. Of these, 41 (38%) experienced at least 1 postoperative complication and 22 (20.4%) died within 12 months after surgery. When the authors controlled for potential known confounders, the CCI score was significantly associated with postoperative adverse events (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.00-1.42, p = 0.045) and trended toward significance for mortality (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.97-1.45, p = 0.098). In contrast, mFI score and ISS were not significantly predictive of either outcome. Complications in spine trauma patients with ASD may be driven by comorbidity burden rather than operative or injury-related factors. The CCI may be a valuable tool for the evaluation of this unique population.

A brief human history of ankylosing spondylitis: A scoping review of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease of the spine and SI joints. Diagnostic criteria and treatments have continued to evolve, necessitating a historical compendium of AS and its management. This paper aims to review the historical context underlying the discovery of AS, as well as the major diagnostic and therapeutic discoveries in the last two centuries.Methods: A scoping review of the literature pertaining to AS was performed via the Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Future directions of AS treatments were assessed by querying the clinicaltrials.gov website.Results: The history of AS can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt (as evidenced by the discovery of its presence in ancient Egyptian mummies) to the late 20th century, when the inherited nature of AS was linked to a genetic factor, HLA-B27. Each discovery made throughout the years led to further investigations into the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AS. The criteria to differentiate AS from rheumatoid arthritis were first reported in 1893. Since then, diagnostic criteria for AS have undergone a series of changes before the present-day diagnostic criteria for AS were ultimately determined in 2009 by the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society.Conclusion: As the pathophysiology of AS is better understood, healthcare providers are able to diagnose and treat the condition more effectively. In particular, earlier diagnosis and multiple treatment options have facilitated efficient and more effective treatment.

P185 Does BASDAI score correlate to MRI changes in ankylosing spondylarthritis?

Abstract Background/Aims The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) is routinely used subjective outcome measurement of disease activity in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). BASDAI > 4 is used as a criterion for commencing anti-TNF therapy. Previous studies shown BASDAI correlation with MRI has been proven to be weak. We did this study to systemically compare clinical and radiological data of patients with AS and to look for the degree of correlation between BASDAI score and MRI changes positive for spondyloarthritis in our cohort of patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of AS patients attending Leicester spondylarthritis service at University Hospitals Leicester Trust (UHL) was carried out. Clinical characteristics such as HLA-B27 status, extra-articular features, family history of AS and CRP measurement were obtained from online systems and clinic letters. Online records were reviewed to see if patients had a MRI of the sacroiliac joints along with a BASDAI score at the time of MRI. Medcalc calculator was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 106 patients were analysed with a mean age of 45.6 +/- 11.6 years (M = 62, F = 44) with mean BASDAI of 5.0 +/- 2.5. Mean CRP was 17.01+/- 30.4 (median CRP 6.5). 61% (n = 65) were HLA-B27 positive. 70 of 106 patients had a sacroiliac MRI scan which could be reviewed to a satisfactory level to determine whether disease is present or not. Two results were statistically significant when comparing active versus no active lesions on MRI: inflammatory back pain and anti-TNF therapy (Table 1). P185 Table 1:Comparison of clinical features in patients with active versus inactive lesions on MRI sacroiliac joint.Active lesions on MRI N = 45No active lesions on MRI N = 25P valueMean BASDAI (SD)5.0 (2.6)5.4(2.6)0.5Mean ASDAS CRP (SD)2.14(1.1)2.04(0.6)0.73Mean CRP (SD) mg/l14.7(21)17.8(33)0.645.5HLA-B2731180.Uveitis1190.3Inflammatory back pain40170.03Enthesitis820.3Peripheral Arthritis670.1Dactylitis010.2Psoriasis211Inflammatory bowel disease710.1Ethnicity: Caucasian37230.2Ethnicity: Asian820.3Age45.5 (10.2)50.5(11.3)0.06M: F26:1916:90.7Anti-TNF therapy1840.03BASDAI >428150.8BASDAI <417100.8BASDAI= Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, ASDAS= Ankylosing Spondylitis disease. CRP=C-reactive protein, HLA= human leucocyte antigen. Conclusion BASDAI score did not statistically correlate with the severity of inflammation as objectively observed on MRI. Only inflammatory back pain and anti-TNF therapy correlated with MRI disease activity. There was no difference in clinical features including HLA-B27 between patients with active and inactive MRI. Thus, BASDAI as a criterion for biologic therapy may need re-considering. Disclosure N. Jain: None. S. Byravan: None. J. Stairs: None. W. Rennie: None. M. Arumugam: Other; Speaker and Conference Fee MSD, Novartis, Abbvie.

Is family history a predictor of response to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors in spondyloarthritis? A Swedish nationwide cohort study

Objective: To determine whether a family history of spondyloarthritis (SpA) is associated with clinical presentation at the start of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment, or predictive of TNFi drug survival and treatment response in patients with SpA. Method: Family history of SpA in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA) from the Swedish Rheumatology Quality register starting a TNFi as their first biologic in 2006–2018 was assessed through national registers. Clinical characteristics at treatment start were compared by family history status. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios for drug discontinuation, and analysed treatment response at 3 and 12 months with linear regression. Multiple imputation was used to address missing data. Results: We included 9608 patients. Patients with family history had an earlier age at onset and longer disease duration at TNFi treatment start, but did not differ regarding disease activity and presence of SpA manifestations. Hazard ratios for drug discontinuation were 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.31] for AS patients with a family history of AS, 1.02 (95% CI 0.89–1.18) for PsA patients with a family history of PsA, and 1.11 (95% CI 0.85–1.45) for uSpA patients with a family history of uSpA, after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and SpA-related factors. Treatment response at 3 and 12 months was similar between groups. Conclusion: Family history of SpA was not found to be associated with clinical presentation at the start of TNFi treatment, nor was it associated with drug survival or treatment response in SpA patients starting a first TNFi.

Coincidence of Sarcoidosis With Ankylosing Spondylitis in a 48-Year-Old Woman; A Therapeutic Challenge

Introduction: A case of pulmonary sarcoidosis is reported because of difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, including the co-existence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and severe corticosteroid dependence. Case Presentation: A 48-year-old nonsmoking woman referred to the hospital because of chronic nonproductive cough and dyspnea with a 10-year history of AS. Bilateral rhonchi was detected in lung auscultation. There was a significant limitation in lumbar activity and range of motion in flexion (positive Schober’s test), extension, and lateral bending. In lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), irregularities in the sacroiliac joint and bilateral sacroiliitis were evident. The angiotensin-converting enzyme level was elevated. Biopsy in hilar lymphadenopathy by transbronchial lung biopsy was done, and the histopathological findings showed chronic nonnecrotizing granulomatosis inflammation compatible with sarcoidosis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs was effective on steroiddependent coexisting of sarcoidosis and AS. The symptoms were absent in regular follow up. Conclusion: Pulmonary fibrosis due to sarcoidosis can be prevented by suitable treatment. Clinical trials are needed to confirm the impact of treatments with monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor (TNF), for curing sarcoidosis.

Spondyloarthritis: aspects of pathogenesis and diagnostics

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) has extremely high social importance due to patient’s risk of early disability and a persistent decline in the quality of life. The last decade has brought important knowledge on its genetic mechanisms and pathophysiological aspects, as well as diagnosis and treatment. Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is characterized by a pathological tissue response to immune and mechanical triggers, predominant lesion of the axial skeleton (spine, sacroiliac joints). It is divided into ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiological axSpA. Mechanical stress is proven to affect specific localization of inflammation and tissue damage in SpA. Areas of inflammation and erosion are limited to those having increased susceptibility and unique microanatomy. It is shown that a number of genes located outside the main histocompatibility complex significantly affect susceptibility to AS. A study of genes and polymorphisms not related to HLA-B27 revealed different pathogenesis mechanisms in various ethnic groups and formed a new understanding of AS pathogenesis and treatment. A family history of AS or anterior uveitis is useful to detect axSpA, as it is associated with the carrier of genetic marker HLA-B27. Researchers are strongly focused on studying AS patients» autoantibodies, where antibodies to CD74 are of the greatest diagnostic value. An imbalanced microbiome can trigger SpA development. Approximately 50 % of all SpA patients have microscopic signs of intestinal inflammation. The development and use of highly sensitive imaging methods in the future will lead to improved approaches for axSpA classification and more precise disease prognosis and therapeutic decisions. 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography is a sensitive method to determine syndesmophytes and sacroiliac joints in axSpA patients.

Use of machine learning techniques in the development and refinement of a predictive model for early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis

ObjectiveTo develop a predictive mathematical model for the early identification of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on the medical and pharmacy claims history of patients with and without AS.MethodsThis retrospective study used claims data from Truven databases from January 2006 to September 2015 (Segment 1) and October 2015 to February 2018 (Segment 2). Machine learning identified features differentiating patients with AS from matched controls; selected features were used as inputs in developing Model A/B to identify patients likely to have AS. Model A/B was trained and developed in Segment 1, and patients predicted to have AS in Segment 1 were followed up in Segment 2 to evaluate the predictive capability of Model A/B.ResultsOf 228,471 patients in Segment 1 without any history of AS, Model A/B predicted 1923 patients to have AS. Ultimately, 1242 patients received an AS diagnosis in Segment 2; 120 of these were correctly predicted by Model A/B, yielding a positive predictive value (PPV) of 6.24%. The diagnostic accuracy of Model A/B compared favorably with that of a clinical model (PPV, 1.29%) that predicted AS based on spondyloarthritis features described in the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria. A simplified linear regression model created to test the operability of Model A/B yielded a lower PPV (2.55%).ConclusionsModel A/B performed better than a clinically based model in predicting a diagnosis of AS among patients in a large claims database; its use may contribute to early recognition of AS and a timely diagnosis.

Posterior osteotomy for thoracolumbar stress fracture in ankylosing spondylitis through the gap of a pathological fracture

To evaluate the effectivity and safety of posterior osteotomy for thoracolumbar stress fracture in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through the gap of a pathological fracture. Between April 2012 and August 2015, 8 patients with AS combined with thoracolumbar stress fracture were treated with posterior osteotomy through the gap of a pathological fracture to correct the kyphosis. There were 7 males and 1 female, with an average age of 51 years (range, 37-74 years). The history of AS was 1-40 years (mean, 21.7 years) and disease duration of stress fracture was 2-60 months (mean, 18.5 months). The segmental lesions included T 8, 9 in 1 case, T 10, 11 in 2 cases, T 11 in 2 cases, T 12, L 1 in 1 case, L 1, 2 in 1 case, and L 2, 3 in 1 case. The nerve function before operation according to Frankel grading was grade D in 3 cases and grade E in 5 cases. The pre- and post-operative X-ray films, CT three-dimensional reconstruction, and MRI were collected to measure the global kyphosis (GK), local kyphosis (LK), angle of the fusion levels (AFL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the back pain intensity. The operation time was 210-320 minutes (mean, 267 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 400-2 000 mL (mean, 963 mL). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found in 3 patients, and the wound healed by removal of drainage tube and suturing drainage outlet after 5-7 days of operation. The wounds of the rest patients healed by first intention. Lower extremity numbness occurred in 1 case and recovered after 1 month of postoperative administration of oral mecobalamin. All the patients were followed up 20-43 months (mean, 28.4 months). No internal fixator loosening, fracture, and other complications occurred. All the fractures healed with the healing time of 3-12 months (mean, 6.8 months). At 3 months after operation, 3 cases with spinal cord injury of preoperative Frankel grade D recovered to grade E. The GK, LK, AFL, PI, PT, SVA, and VAS scores at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). Except for VAS score at last follow-up was significantly improved when compared with that at 1 week after operation ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other indexes between at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up ( P>0.05). Posterior osteotomy through the gap of a pathological fracture is a safe and effective surgical procedure for kyphosis correction and relief of back pain in AS patients combined with thoracolumbar stress fracture. Successful bony fusion and good clinical outcomes can also be achieved by this surgical procedure.

Characterization of ankylosing spondylitis in Upper Egypt

Objective: To explore the features of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Upper Egypt which has been under estimated in this area known for its lower socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Seventy patients with a definite diagnosis of AS were prospectively evaluated. Information about human leukocyte antigen (HLA-B27) status, pattern of axial and peripheral involvement, inflammatory markers, extra axial features and axial radiographic findings together with other demographic variables were recorded. Bath AS disease activity and functional status (BASDAI and BASFI) were also assessed. Results: The mean age at onset was 24.9 ± 7.5 years and at diagnosis was 35.46 ± 12.1 years, with a diagnostic delay of 9.9 years on average. The male to female ratio was 2.9:1. HLA-B27 was positive in 38 of 51 patients (74.5%). Eighteen patients (25.7%) had a family history of AS. Peripheral arthritis was present in 14 patients (20%). Anterior uveitis was present in 5 patients (7.1%). The mean radiographic sacroiliitis grade was 2.42 ± 0.59. Lumbar syndesmophytes were present in 45 patients (64.3%) and bamboo spine was present in 13 (18.6%). Thirty (42.9%) patients had radiographic hip abnormalities, of whom 6 had received hip replacement surgery. Of 65 patients examined by bone densitometry, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 26 patients (40%). The mean BASDIA and BASFI were 4.8 ± 1.18 and 5.4 ± 1.5, respectively. Axial radiographic damage was significantly greater in men (P >0.001). Only 6 patients (8.6%) were aware of the nature of the disease and were maintained on regular treatment. Conclusion: The characteristics of AS in Upper Egypt were revealed. Noticeable radiographic damage with a high BASFI and BASDAI indicated a more severe disease than that reported in other Middle Eastern populations with a higher SES.

Iatrogenic Spinal Cord Injury in a Trauma Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Background: The recommended practice for over 30 years has been to routinely immobilize patients with unstable cervical spinal injuries using cervical spinal collars. It is shown that patients with Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are four times more likely to suffer a spinal fracture compared to the general population and have an eleven-fold greater risk of spinal cord injury. Current protocols of spinal immobilization were responsible for secondary neurologic deterioration in some of these patients. Objective: To describe an iatrogenic injury resulting from the use of a rigid spinal board and advocate for the use of alternative immobilization methods or no immobilization at all. Case: We present our case here of a 68-year-old male with a history of AS. The patient was ambulatory on scene after a low speed car accident, but immobilized with a rigid backboard by paramedics. He developed back pain and paraplegia suddenly when the backboard was lifted for transport to the hospital. A CT scan revealed an extension fraction of T10 to T11 with involvement of the posterior column. Emergency spinal fusion was performed. Patient died of complications in the hospital. Conclusion: This case shows that spinal immobilization should be avoided in cases of ambulatory patients without a clear indication. Alternative transport methods such as vacuum mattresses should be considered when spinal immobilization is indicated, especially for patients with predispositions to spinal injury, particularly AS, to maintain the natural alignment of the spinal curvature.

Perioperative complications in open versus percutaneous treatment of spinal fractures in patients with an ankylosed spine

We compared open stabilization of vertebral fractures to percutaneous spinal fixation techniques in patients with a diagnosis of either ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). A retrospective review of patients known to have AS or DISH treated for spinal column fracture at a single institution between 1995 and 2011 was performed. Patients were analyzed by the type of fixation, divided into either a percutaneous group (PG) or an open group (OG). There were 41 patients identified with a spinal column fracture and history of AS or DISH who received surgical intervention. There were 17 (42%) patients with AS and 24 (58%) with DISH. Patients in the PG and OG cohorts presented with similar mechanisms of injury, Injury Severity Scale, number of vertebral fractures, number of additional injuries, and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification scores. Mean operative time (254.76minutes versus 334.67minutes, p=0.040), estimated blood loss (166.8 versus 1240.36mL, p<0.001), blood transfusion volume (178.32 versus 848.69mL, p<0.001), and time to discharge (9.58 days versus 16.73 days, p=0.008) were significantly less in the PG cohort. The rate of blood transfusion (36% versus 87.5%, p=0.001) and complications (56% versus 87%, p=0.045) were significantly less in the PG cohort. Percutaneous stabilization of fractures in patients with AS or DISH was associated with lower blood loss, shorter operative times and decreased need for transfusion, shorter hospitalization time and a lower perioperative complication rate.

Prevalence of HLA-B27 in Moroccan healthy subjects and patients with ankylosing spondylitis and mapping construction of several factors influencing AS diagnosis by using multiple correspondence analysis.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen HLA-B27 in Moroccan healthy controls and in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to analyze the correlation between HLA-B27 and AS in Moroccan patients. The prevalence of HLA-B27 was determined by evaluating the number of HLA-B27-positive samples in 128 healthy subjects and in 53 patients diagnosed with AS according to the ESSG and AMOR criteria. HLA-B27 was determined by the polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers. Multivariate analysis of our data (HLA-B27, age, sex, and family history) for AS and healthy controls was performed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). The frequency of HLA-B27 was significantly greater in AS patients (45.3 %) than in healthy controls (4.7 %) [p < 0.0001, OR 16.8, and CI 95 % (5.83-51.03)]. In addition, HLA-B27 was more common in male patients than in female ones (p < 0.05). 100 % of the AS patients reported a family history of AS, whereas only 20 % of the healthy controls reported a family history of AS. The graphical interpretation of MCA showed a significant relation between the presence of HLA-B27 and AS. This study strengthens the link between HLA-B27 and AS and represents a very valuable informative diagnostic tool, especially in regard to male patients who have a family history of AS.

Impact of gender, work, and clinical presentation on diagnostic delay in Italian patients with primary ankylosing spondylitis.

The variability of demographic, social, genetic, and clinical factors might influence the time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis [diagnostic delay (DD)] of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in different geographic areas. Different clinical manifestations in men and women affected by AS might indicate a possible role of gender in DD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of demographic, social, genetic, and clinical factors on DD and the differences of DD between men and women related to the presence of different demographic, social, clinical, and genetic parameters in an Italian cohort of primary AS patients. A total of 135 Italian primary AS patients (45 female and 90 male, 27.9 ± 0.89 years old at onset) were studied. The DD, gender, education and work (manual or non-manual) levels, and type of first clinical presentation (inflammatory back pain, arthritis, enthesitis) at onset, family history of AS, and HLA B27 presence were analyzed. The DD (8.744 mean ±0.6869) was significantly higher in men (p = 0.0023), in axial presentation (p = 0.0021), and in manual work (even if with low significance, p = 0.047). The lower DD in women in comparison to that in men was likely related to higher education (p = 0.0045) and work (p = 0.0186) levels, peripheral involvement (p = 0.0009), and HLA B27 positivity (p = 0.0231). DD was higher in AS patients: male, employed in manual jobs, and with axial symptoms at onset. In men, DD seemed to be negatively influenced by lower level of education and work, axial clinical presentation, and HLA B27.

AB0696 Phenotype Difference in Familial Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Compared to Sporadic as in Korea

BackgroundClustered occurrences of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the family have been noticed. Few phenotype studies on familial AS suggest the distinct features of the disease compared to sporadic disease.ObjectivesThe aim...

AB0735 Diagnostic Delay Worsens Mobility and Work Disability in Ankylosing Spondylitis

BackgroundDiagnostic delay (DD) in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) remains a challenge, averaging 8.6 years1. Chronic back pain comprises 2.6million GP consultations per year, of which 5% have AS2. Identifying this “needle...

Spine injury following a low-energy trauma in ankylosing spondylitis: A study of two cases

We report two cases of spine injury following a low-energy trauma in persons with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and discuss the forensic considerations. A 60-year-old man presented with a wide anterior fracture of the superior endplate of T8 after an accidental fall down three wooden steps. A 93-year-old man presented with disjunction between C6 and C7 and 90-degree spinal angulation after a fall from a standing height or a fall from a bed. Post-mortem multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed before autopsy in both the cases. MSCT and autopsy findings were in agreement with a past medical history of AS. A spine injury occurring after a low-energy trauma is unusual and could be suspicious. In the forensic literature we found only a single case, which concerned multiple spinal fractures after a fall from a bicycle at low speed. Such specific mechanisms must be studied and known to the forensic expert. In this context, MSCT is a useful tool to investigate the spine and knowledge of the victim's entire past medical history is essential.

A2.7 Concomitant transverse myelitis and guillain-barre syndrome after adalimumab therapy in a case with ankylosing spondylitis

BackgroundThe introduction of TNF inhibitors into clinical practice has revolutionalised the treatment of most inflammatory diseases. However, these drugs are associated with various and potentially serious side effects. Despite being...

OP0262-PARE What is the Knowledge Level that Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Have About their Own Disease?

BackgroundPatient’s knowledge about his or her own disease is critical for an acceptable management and improved quality of life. Aspects such as symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, etc. should be known to...