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Muscle pathology in ankylosing spondylitis
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients frequently exhibit sacrospinalis muscle abnormalities, specifically a 'targetoid core' appearance. This suggests early and constant muscular involvement in AS, potentially due to chronic inflammation and other disease factors.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Neuromuscular Pathology
- Spinal Diseases
Background:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine.
- The exact mechanisms of muscle involvement in AS remain incompletely understood.
- Sacrospinalis muscle changes are noted in AS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics of muscle involvement in Ankylosing Spondylitis.
- To determine the pattern and extent of sacrospinalis muscle abnormalities in AS patients.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of muscle biopsies.
- Histochemical staining techniques.
- Electron microscopy of muscle tissue.
Main Results:
- All eight AS patients displayed significant abnormalities in the sacrospinalis muscle.
- A characteristic 'targetoid core' appearance was observed, indicative of myopathic or neurological conditions.
- These findings suggest constant and early involvement of the sacrospinalis muscle in AS.
Conclusions:
- Sacrospinalis muscle pathology is a consistent finding in Ankylosing Spondylitis.
- Chronic inflammation, enthesopathies, stiffness, and bone lesions associated with AS may contribute to non-specific spinal nerve and muscle damage.