Ankylosing spondylitis

Alternative names:

Marie-Strumpell disease; rheumatoid spondylitis; spondylitis

Symptoms:

• low back pain that is worse at night or after inactivity
• stiffness and limited motion in the low back
• hip pain and stiffness
• limited expansion of the chest
• limited range of motion, especially involving spine and hips
• joint pain and joint swelling in the shoulders, knees, and ankles
• neck pain
• heel pain
• chronic stooping to relieve symptoms
• fatigue
• fever, low grade
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• eye inflammation

Signs and tests:

Physical examination and characteristic symptoms are indicative of limited spine motion or chest expansion.

Tests may include:

• Histocompatibility antigens are positive for HLA-B27.
• HLA-B27 antigen test is positive.
• A spine X-ray or pelvis X-ray shows characteristic findings.
• ESR may or may not be elevated.
• CBC may show mild anemia.