Ankylosing spondylitis
In ankylosing spondylitis (named after their discoverer, the neurologist and psychiatrist by Prof. Vladimir Bechterew (1857-1927)) is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease. She meets men and usually takes place most frequently in the area from the spine but can also affect other joints, tendons, eyes and the heart muscle.
How to trigger the chronic inflammatory factors is, is still unclear. Apparently, however, genetics plays a big role, as have 90% of those over a certain tissue markers (HLA-B27). Furthermore, it is discussed whether bacteria play in our environment or the intestinal flora play a role in the development of ankylosing spondylitis.
Frequency
The ankylosing spondylitis affects about 1% of the Central European population. Men are affected approximately three times more frequently than women.
Symptoms
- Back pain who are most in the morning and make amends by motion
- Morning stiffness of the spine
- In the course of the disease leads to a stiffening of the spine
- Inflammation of other joints (peripheral arthritis)
Diagnosis
- On examination by the doctor examines the so-called Menell'sche these characters. This shows, if it is positive, an inflammation of the coccyx (Sakroilitis) points and is often an indication of an ankylosing spondylitis.
- The x-ray of the spine, there are typical changes. Since this is more evidence by the so-called "color image spoken.
Complications
- Limitation of vision by recurrent inflammation of the anterior chamber (anterior uveitis).
- Rare: inflammation of the aorta (aortitis), possibly with damage to the aortic valve (aortic regurgitation).