Spondyloarthropathies

Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jun 15;69(12):2853-60.

Abstract

The spondyloarthropathies include ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis (including Reiter's syndrome), psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease-associated spondyloarthropathy, and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy. These diseases are linked by their association with the HLA-B27 gene and by the presence of enthesitis as the basic pathologic lesion. Additional clinical features include inflammatory back pain, dactylitis, and extra-articular manifestations such as uveitis and skin rash. The history and physical examination are the major diagnostic tools, although radiographic evidence of sacroiliitis is helpful. Therapeutic options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can help to limit disability.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / physiopathology
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / therapy
  • Arthritis, Reactive / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Reactive / physiopathology
  • Arthritis, Reactive / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / complications
  • Spondylitis / diagnosis*
  • Spondylitis / etiology
  • Spondylitis / physiopathology
  • Spondylitis / therapy*
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / diagnosis
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / physiopathology
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / therapy