Spondyloartropathieën

Spondyloartropathieën is a collective term for a group of inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the spine and pelvis, but can also involve other joints and organs. These conditions share common clinical, radiological, and genetic features. Key members of this group include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

A hallmark of spondyloartropathieën is inflammation at the entheses, which are the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. This can lead to pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back and hips, often worse in the morning and improving with activity. While the spine is commonly affected, peripheral joints such as the knees, ankles, and wrists can also become inflamed, causing swelling and pain.

Beyond the musculoskeletal system, spondyloartropathieën can manifest with extra-articular symptoms. These may include inflammation of the eyes (uveitis), skin lesions (like psoriasis or keratoderma blennorrhagicum), and inflammation of the digestive tract. A genetic predisposition is suggested by the strong association with the HLA-B27 gene, although not everyone with the gene develops the condition, and some affected individuals do not carry it. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging studies (X-rays, MRI), and laboratory tests. Treatment aims to manage pain and inflammation, maintain mobility, and prevent long-term complications.