Chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease with progressive pain and stiffness of the spine and other joints.
Its cause is unknown, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in its development.
It is characterized by inflammation of the spine, large joints (hips, shoulders, knees, or ankles), and finger joints, with nocturnal back pain, morning back stiffness, marked kyphosis, aortitis, cardiac conduction abnormalities, and anterior uveitis.
Diagnosis requires radiographic evidence of sacral inflammation. Treatment, which is not curative, is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing their worsening. It is carried out with NSAIDs, TNF/IL-17 antagonists and physical measures to maintain joint flexibility. A healthy diet, not smoking, and exercise have been shown to be beneficial over the course of the disease.
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