Anterior Uveitis and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Kim, Hong Bok; OH, Jung Hyub; Choi, Ouk

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 1976;17(2):235-239.
Published online February 1, 1976.

Anterior Uveitis and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Hong Bok Kim, Jung Hyub OH, Ouk Choi

Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

전부포도막염과 강직성 척추염

김홍복 , 오중협 , 최억 ( Hong Bok Kim , Joon Hyub Oh , Ouk Choi )

Abstract

Recently ankylosing spondylitis have been found to be the most common one among the joint diseases which is associated with anterior uveitis. About 10 to 60% of patients with Marie-Strumpells' ankylosing spondylitis have anterior uveitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is mostly found in young male and characterized by makedly elevated sedimentation and radiological changes; earliest finding in sacro-iliac joints are subchondral sclerosis or demineralization of the bone near the sacro-iliac joints. The joint margins gradually become less distinct until ankylosis develope. The vertebral bodies show "squaring" and the longitudinal ligaments show calcification and ossification on x-ray film (Bamboo spine). The uveitis associated with ankylosing spondylitis is a mild to severe non-granulomatous type (sometimes granulomatous) involving the anterior segment exclusively. Usually it affects one eye at a time. Recurrent attacks may lead to permanent damage depending on the severity and frequency of the attacks and the adequacy of treatment. The main treatment is the administration of steroids. A 35 year old man was seen in our clinic and found to have recurrent anterior uveitis with: hypopyon in his right eye and ankylosing spondylitis while was confirmed by char;acteristic radiological findings. Pathients with acute recurrent non-granulomatous iridocyclitis without apparent cause should have an x-ray of the lumbosacral spine and sacro-iliac joints.