Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis and How to Diagnose It
From the investigation we can only discuss three approaches that attempt to define the cause of the disease.
On a side note is the individual's genetic predisposition, as is usually found in the affected person histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27.
This theory is not definitive because only 6% of the population carries the antigen, in addition to 5% of patients with spondyloarthritis is not carrying the HLA-B27, a fact that evidence is not necessary the presence of this glycoprotein to the disease .
Another explanation is proposed on the penetration of fragments of bacteria that would take advantage of the weaknesses of the digestive system to enter the body, although this hypothesis has not been tested at any time.
It is also accepted the theory that an immune response may be disproportionate, would fight some tissues themselves, those with greatest similarity to the HLA-B27 antigen, or antigens from the bacteria mentioned above.
The clinical consultation is a critical stage for diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. Both the symptoms that the patient states, such as data resulting in the physical examination will influence the decision made by the physician to investigate a possible spondylitis. If the doctor suspects that there may be an ankylosing spondylitis, ask different tests to confirm the diagnosis.
These tests shall be directed in two ways, a radiation-laying will try to prove or disprove an inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, and other laboratory-to measure inflammatory activity in every moment, and know the existence or absence of antigen HLA-B27.
The keys to diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis clinical suspicion based on symptoms and examination.
The usual symptoms are pain in the lumbar and sacral area, as well as stiffness on rising in the morning, and a significant improvement in stiffness and pain with ambulation.
On examination, the doctor usually evidenced Limited chest expansion (leading to lower ventilation capacity) and limitation of movements of the spine in flexion and lateral rotation.