ABSTRACT
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is one of a group of disorders characterized by association
with HLA-B27 histocompatibility complex, seronegativity for rheumatoid factor, and
propensity for inflammation at entheses, synovial articulations, and cartilaginous
articulations.[1]
[2] The radiographic hallmark of the disease is ankylosis, and the principle sites of
involvement are the sacroiliac joints and spine, with less frequent involvement of
other joints, including the pubic symphysis, hips, shoulders, knees, hands, feet,
and sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, sternomanubrial, and temporomandibular joints.[3] Following a brief discussion of the basic pathophysiology and typical clinical findings
of AS, we describe the typical magnetic resonance imaging features of the disease
as it is manifests in the axial skeleton. Finally, a brief mention of special considerations
in the radiographic evaluation of the AS patient in the setting of trauma is made.
KEYWORDS
Ankylosing spondylitis - magnetic resonance imaging
