Profile of ankylosing spondylitis in Saudi Arabia

This study describes the profile of ankylosing spondylitis as seen at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over a period of 4 years. Fifteen cases were accumulated, eleven males and four females (M:F ratio 2.75:1). Thirteen patients were of Arab origin. The mean age of onset was 23.4 years, and all patients but one had a subacute onset. A positive family history was elicited in two patients (13%) and HLA B27 was positive in eight out of twelve patients (67%). Symmetrical radiographic sacroiilitis was present in all fifteen patients, radiographic spondylitis in eleven (73%), enthesitis in nine (60%) while peripheral joints were affected in five (33%). Conjunctivitis and uveitis were seen in 2 (13%) and 1 (7%) respectively. Most patients were in ARA functional Class I and II.