Spondyloarthropathies: using presentation to make the diagnosis

Cleve Clin J Med. 2004 Mar;71(3):184-5, 189, 192-4 passim. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.71.3.184.

Abstract

Diagnosing the spondyloarthropathies--chronic inflammatory diseases of the spine and peripheral joints that share several distinctive features--is challenging and depends on careful evaluation of the history, physical examination, and radiographs. The recent use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors is exciting and may represent true disease-modifying drugs for these conditions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Back Pain / etiology
  • Blood Sedimentation
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Spondylarthropathies / complications
  • Spondylarthropathies / diagnosis*
  • Spondylarthropathies / drug therapy
  • Spondylarthropathies / epidemiology
  • Sulfasalazine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Sulfasalazine
  • C-Reactive Protein