Progression of radiographic damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: defining the central role of syndesmophytes

• DOI: 10.1136/ard.2006.066415
• Publication Date: 2007-03-01T10:40:49Z
• Authors: X Baraliakos; J Listing; M Rudwaleit; H Haibel; J Brandt; J Sieper; J Braun
• Keywords: Ankylosis; Spondylitis; Axial spondyloarthritis

Structural changes such as erosions, syndesmophytes and ankylosis are characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). These can be quantified by the modified Stokes Anklylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS). It is unknown which radiographic feature most relevant for assessment change prediction future damage in AS.To analyse progression AS using different assessments to define important changes.Spinal radiographs 116 patients with were scored mSASSS at baseline (BL) after 2 years. Radiographic was assessed differentiating (1) any change; (2) syndesmophytes/ankylosis (definite change); (3) exceeding smallest detectable (SDC) predefined. A growth angle 45 degrees used differentiate from spondylophytes.Some years detected 42% patients, novel 31% and, SDC (calculated units) cut-off, seen 28% patients. Thus, 74% because and/or ankylosis. Using predefined only 12% all spondylophytes. Patients older age. Definite found 44% BL (n = 57) versus 19% (p 0.03) without 59).Syndesmophytes structural AS, also mSASSS. Development just one syndesmophyte within indicates AS; this clinical practice. Syndesmophytes best predictors progression.