SPONDYLODISCITIS DESEASE EVALUATION IN PATIENTS WITH SERONEGATIVESPONDYLOARTHROPATHIES

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Spinal Imaging
• Inflammatory Diseases

Background:

• Spondylodiscitis (SD), known as Andersson lesion, is an uncommon complication of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
• This study investigates the clinical and radiological characteristics of SD in AS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the demographic data, clinical presentation, and radiological findings of spondylodiscitis in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• To review potential pathomechanisms contributing to these spinal lesions.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of 24 Ankylosing Spondylitis patients.
• Detailed demographic, medical history, clinical examination, and thoracolumbar spinal MRI were performed for 12 patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis.
• Patients met modified New York and ASAS criteria for AS.

Main Results:

• 50% (12/24) of AS patients had spondylodiscitis, with lesions at various spinal levels.
• The mean age was 43 ± 10.8 years; 66.7% were male. Mean disease duration was 11 ± 8.7 years.
• The thoracic spine was the most common site; half of affected patients had multiple lesions. No history of trauma was reported.

Conclusions:

• Spondylodiscitis is a significant complication in AS patients, often presenting without trauma.
• Conservative management (NSAIDs, rest, physiotherapy) yielded a good prognosis.
• Both inflammatory and mechanical factors may contribute to the development of these destructive intervertebral disc lesions.