Chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease with progressive pain and stiffening of the spine and other joints.
Its cause is unknown, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors are involved in its onset.
It is characterised by inflammation of the spine, large joints (hips, shoulders, knees or ankles) and finger articulations, with nighttime back pain, morning back stiffness, pronounced kyphosis, aortitis, cardiac conduction abnormalities and anterior uveitis.
The diagnosis requires the demonstration of sacral inflammation in an X-ray. The treatment, which is not curative, is aimed at relieving the symptoms and preventing them from worsening. It is performed with NSAIDs, TNF/IL-17 antagonist and physical measures that maintain joint flexibility. A healthy diet, not smoking and exercise have shown benefit over the course of the disease.
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