Ankylosing Spondylitis Research

This site summarizes the latest research in AS

• AS the facts
• A little history
• Spondyloarthropathies family
• Fatigue
• Osteoporosis
• Pregnancy and AS
• Related Conditions
  • Iritis
    Psoriasis
    Inflammatory bowel disease
    Rare complications
• Pain Management
  • Introduction to pain
    Self management of pain
• Medication
  • Anti-inflammatories
    Sulfasalazine
    Methotrexate
    Anti-TNF
• Alternative Medicines
• Genetics
• Expert opinion
  Prof. M Khan: diagnosis
• FAQ

Rare Complications

Heart: 

People with severe and long standing AS, especially people with AS in the hands, feet and non-spinal joints, may develop inflammation of the heart (1 in 100 people). The valve in the heart may not work as well because the artery and veins leading to the heart can become inflamed. Abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart may occur and some people may need pacemakers..

Lung:

Rarely, people who have had AS for 20 years or more may develop lung problems There is damage to the lung causing cavities or holes in the upper part of the lung. This does not normally have any symptoms and is often only diagnosed when X rays are taken for other reasons, like a chest examination. However, it can be a problem for people who smoke and have AS. The cavities or holes can be colonized by fungi which live in the tobacco and cause infection and bleeding into the lung. 

Nerve damage:

Nerve damage may occur if a person has a fracture of the spine or neck. An unstable spine can result in spinal cord compression. This occurs in people with severe spinal involvement.

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