Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies Overview

A group of similar inflammatory joint diseases, all characterized by a lack of rheumatoid factor and often involving the spine.

The most common type of seronegative spondyloarthropathy, often causing chronic, inflammatory back pain and stiffness, typically starting in the 20s and 30s.

A critical symptom in diagnosing seronegative spondyloarthropathies, indicating a prolonged inflammatory process in the spine.

A gene commonly linked to increased predisposition for developing ankylosing spondylitis and other seronegative spondyloarthropathies, suggesting a genetic component in some cases.

Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, often a key feature and initial site of involvement in seronegative spondyloarthropathies, especially AS.

A progressive symptom typically associated with ankylosing spondylitis, which significantly hinders movement and can lead to disability if left untreated.

Chronic back pain lasting more than 3 months, often a key symptom in seronegative spondyloarthropathies, indicating an inflammatory condition rather than a mechanical cause.

A common symptom in spinal conditions like ankylosing spondylitis where stiffness persists for an extended time in the morning.

Non-joint symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), like skin conditions (psoriasis), inflammatory bowel disease, and eye issues.

Examination of the spine to evaluate for stiffness, reduced mobility, and specific changes, like lumbar lordosis loss or muscle spasms.

Measuring chest expansion to assess for stiffness or restricted breathing caused by AS, usually in the thoracic region.

A blood test that assesses for a genetic marker linked to an increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.

X-rays of the spine and pelvis are essential for diagnosing AS. Presence of sacroiliitis or bamboo spine are key indicators.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the initial treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

The main management goals are symptom relief, maintaining function, preventing complications, and minimizing extra-articular manifestations.

Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, a key diagnostic sign visible on x-rays, indicating presence of AS.

A type of arthritis that develops after an infection in another part of the body. It's often linked to infections in the gut or urinary tract.

The most common causes of reactive arthritis include infections like Chlamydia, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, E. coli, and C. diff.

The classic symptoms of reactive arthritis are eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), joint pain (arthritis), and inflammation of the urethra (urethritis).

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 weeks after the infection, often within 7 to 14 days after exposure to Chlamydia.

Reactive arthritis can occur after a sexually transmitted infection (like Chlamydia) or after a gastrointestinal infection (like traveler's diarrhea).

Beyond joint pain, reactive arthritis can affect other parts of the body, causing symptoms like fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and mouth sores.

Blood tests like ESR, CRP, CBC will be abnormal. Rheumatoid Factor will be negative. Imaging is typically not needed.

It can be challenging to distinguish reactive arthritis from other inflammatory conditions like psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment focuses on tackling the underlying infection (often with antibiotics) and relieving pain with NSAIDS. Glucocorticoids are used if NSAIDS aren't effective or contraindicated.

A chronic inflammatory arthritis that occurs with psoriasis. Can affect joints asymmetrically or symmetrically, causing pain and stiffness. It's also known for its distinctive features like sausage fingers.

Psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed when both psoriasis and inflammatory arthritis in a specific pattern are present. Lab tests can reveal elevated ESR/CRP, and joint X-rays show characteristic changes. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and ANA are negative.

First-line treatment is NSAIDS, but many require disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) if NSAIDS aren't effective. Collaboration with rheumatologists and dermatologists is recommended.

A treatable, chronic inflammatory condition affecting the muscles and joints. It causes widespread aching, especially in the shoulders, neck, and hips. The exact cause is unknown.

A serious vasculitis affecting medium and large arteries. Can lead to blindness if untreated

These two conditions are closely related and often occur together. PMR is a more common precursor to GCA.

The most common vasculitis, affecting large arteries, causing headaches, elevated ESR, and temporal artery abnormalities.

Another type of large vessel vasculitis, often affecting the aorta and its branches.

A medium vessel vasculitis that affects medium-sized arteries and can cause aneurysms.

A medium vessel vasculitis primarily impacting the upper and lower respiratory tracts, and kidneys.

Vasculitis without a known cause, often due to an autoimmune reaction.

Vasculitis caused by other factors like infections, connective tissue diseases, or medications.

Infections that can cause secondary vasculitis.

Medications that can trigger secondary vasculitis.

A chronic inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, with a focus on the lungs.

Treatment is typically not necessary for patients with asymptomatic stage 1 and 2 sarcoidosis because the disease may resolve on its own.

Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for more severe stages of sarcoidosis.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children's joints.

Persistent arthritis for more than 6 weeks in a child younger than 16 years old.

General symptoms like fever, fatigue, and weight loss can occur in some cases of JIA.

JIA often affects the same joints consistently, not moving from one joint to another.

JIA diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.