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Paraspinal muscle fibrosis: a specific pathological component in ankylosing spondylitis
R G Cooper1, A J Freemont, R Fitzmaurice
1Rheumatic Diseases Centre, University of Manchester, Hope Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis patients show specific paraspinal muscle fibrosis, distinct from disuse atrophy. This fibrosis may contribute to early disease symptoms like back stiffness and weakness.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Pathology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine.
- Paraspinal muscle involvement in AS is not fully understood, particularly distinguishing pathological changes from disuse atrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the histological features of paraspinal muscles in patients with ankylosing spondylitis versus controls with chronic mechanical back pain.
- To identify specific pathological changes in paraspinal muscles associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
Main Methods:
- Percutaneous superficial paraspinal muscle biopsies were analyzed histologically.
- Eight patients with ankylosing spondylitis and 13 control patients with chronic mechanical back pain were included.
- Qualitative electromyography was performed on both groups.
Main Results:
- Both ankylosing spondylitis and control groups exhibited significant type II muscle fiber atrophy.
- Ankylosing spondylitis patients showed increased perifiber connective tissue and central migration of cell nuclei.
- No signs of inflammation or denervation were detected in either group.
Conclusions:
- Paraspinal muscle fibrosis, beyond disuse atrophy, appears to be a specific pathological finding in ankylosing spondylitis.
- This fibrosis may play a significant role in the early stages of the disease, contributing to spinal stiffness and weakness.