[Coexisting rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: 3 cases report]

To understand the clinical profiles of coexisting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Coexisting RA and AS was discussed with 3 cases, 108 similar cases were found in the literature and reviewed here.

Coexisting RA and AS was rarely reported. The patients might have family histories of its related diseases, and initially present with diverse symptoms mainly in their youth. All the patients displayed severe symmetrical axial and peripheral arthritis. Joint destruction observed by imaging and the loss of functions were obvious. The prevalence of autoantibodies and HLA alleles was low. Most of the patients hardly demonstrated a good response to ordinary therapies.

Patients with coexisting RA and AS present with various symptoms initially and have considerable joint dysfunction as well as unfavorable outcomes. They should receive aggressive therapeutic strategies.