[Cardiovascular manifestations in ankylosing spondylitis. Concerning 210 cases]

To analyse and discuss cardiovascular manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis, evaluate the frequency and giving special attention to unusual forms.

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 cases with cardiovascular manifestations among 210 cases of ankylosing spondylitis seen over a 25 years period who met the Amor criteria.

Cardiovascular complications were found in 21 patients (10%): 5 (2.40%) had aortic insufficiency, 2 (0.95%) had mitral insufficiency, 1 had mitral valve prolapse, 1 had pericarditis, 10 (4.7%) had atrioventricular block and 6 (2.8%) had bundle branch block. Takayasu's disease was diagnosed in one case. Cardiovascular involvement was common In patients longer disease duration. Peripheral arthritis was found in 33% and its prevalence did not differ in patients with or without cardiac involvement.

Aortic insufficiency and conduction disturbances were the most common cause of cardiovascular involvement in ankylosing spondylitis. The funding of cardiovascular manifestations in 10% of our patients suggests that in this illness evidence of cardiac manifestations should be actively investigated in ankylosing spondylitis.