Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced as "AN-kill-ose-ing spon-dill-EYE-tis") is a type of arthritis that is long-lived (long-term) and most often targets the spine.
This disease may produce pain, stiffness, swelling, and restrained motion in the lower back, middle back, and neck regions (cervical spine), and occasionally regions of the body like the hips, chest wall, and feet. Marie-Strumpell disease is more associated with males than females.
While there is no curative option, therapy can sometimes alleviate signs and symptoms and keep the situation from relapsing. Most individuals can practice normal everyday activities and continue to work.
Ramifications of Marie-Strumpell disease may include inflammation of the dark section of the eyeball (iris), called iritis, or difficulty breathing because of abnormal curvature of the upper body and tightening of the chest wall (thorax).
Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis
The etiology (cause) of Marie-Strumpell disease is unknown, but an inclination to acquire the illness may be hereditary (passed down from parents to sons or daughters).
The majority of individuals with this disease are born with a specific gene, HLA-B27. Simply having or carrying the HLA-B27 gene doesn't really suggest that one will suffer from ankylosing spondylitis.
Current studies indicate that both the surroundings and bacterial infection may also play roles in causing Marie-Strumpell disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis results in mild to serious back and buttock pain that is usually worse in the early morning. This pain generally gets better with physical activity. This disease most often appears in adolescence and rises slowly.
In time, long-term inflammation of the ligaments, tendons, joint capsules (soft tissues encompassing the joint), and joints of the spinal column can make the spine fuse together (ankylose), leading to less movement in the cervix and lower back.
When the spine fuses or stiffens, the back and low neck lose the normal curvature, the mid-back curves outward (kyphosis), and a permanent bent-forward position may result, leading to a substantial amount of disability.
Inflammation of the minor joints linking the ribs and collarbone to the breastbone may cause less expansion of the thorax (chest) wall with respiration. The inflammation of Marie-Strumpell disease may impact other areas of the body, most typically other articulations (joints) and the eyes, but occasionally the lungs, heart valves, and the main blood vessel called the aorta.
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis
If the physician suspects ankylosing spondylitis based on the clinical history and signs and symptoms, he or she may perform a blood screen for the HLA-B27 gene, an X-ray, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the sacroiliac joints to help establish the diagnosis.
The preliminary symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis—dull low-set back and buttock pain and stiffness—are somewhat common.
When someone possesses these signs and symptoms for a period of time and they gradually increase, the specialist will inquire about the pattern of symptoms and whether the patient has a family history of Marie-Strumpell disease or similar joint illness.
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References:
Arnett, FC. (2005). "Seronegative spondyloarthritis." In: DC Dale, and DD, Federman. ACP Medicine. Section 15. Chapter 3. New York.
Dagfinrud H, et al. (2006). "Physiotherapy interventions for ankylosing spondylitis." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (4); Oxford.
Naheed Ali - Naheed Ali, M.D., is a nationally recognized author, speaker and health advocate who began writing professionally in 2005. Additional info ...
