MR Imaging of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is one of a group of disorders characterized by association with HLA-B27 histocompatibility complex, seronegativity for rheumatoid factor, and propensity for inflammation at entheses, synovial articulations, and cartilaginous articulations. The radiographic hallmark of the disease is ankylosis, and the principle sites of involvement are the sacroiliac joints and spine, with less frequent involvement of other joints, including the pubic symphysis, hips, shoulders, knees, hands, feet, and sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, sternomanubrial, and temporomandibular joints. Following a brief discussion of the basic pathophysiology and typical clinical findings of AS, we describe the typical magnetic resonance imaging features of the disease as it is manifests in the axial skeleton. Finally, a brief mention of special considerations in the radiographic evaluation of the AS patient in the setting of trauma is made.

Radiologic Changes in the Symphysis Pubis of Male Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

“…Such changes in the symphysis pubis have also been reported in rheumatic diseases, including AS, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA) 4 ; among these diseases, AS is known to more frequently involve the symphysis pubis. However, the involvement of the symphysis pubis in patients with AS has rarely been documented, given its low prevalence compared with the involvement of the spine or SI joint 5,6 . Nevertheless, a few studies suggest that symphysis pubis changes may frequently develop in patients with AS 4,6,7 .…”

“…However, the involvement of the symphysis pubis in patients with AS has rarely been documented, given its low prevalence compared with the involvement of the spine or SI joint 5,6 . Nevertheless, a few studies suggest that symphysis pubis changes may frequently develop in patients with AS 4,6,7 .…”