Ankylosing spondylitis MRI, the examination items include these

Ankylosing spondylitis can be well diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging, but this examination is very expensive and is generally not used as a routine examination. Common methods for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis include CT, X-ray examination, and laboratory tests.

1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Experts believe that MRI and SPECT scintigraphy of the sacroiliac joints are very helpful for the early diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. From this perspective, they are significantly better than ordinary X-rays, but they are expensive and are not recommended as routine examinations.

2.Computed tomography (CT)

For those who have clinical suspicion and cannot be diagnosed by X-ray, CT examination can be used. It can clearly show the patient's sacroiliac joint space and is unique in determining whether the joint space is widened, narrowed, ankylosed or partially ankylosed.

3. Laboratory examination

The white blood cell count is normal or elevated, the lymphocyte ratio is slightly increased, a few patients have mild anemia (normocytic hypochromic), and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate may increase, but it has little correlation with disease activity, while C-reactive protein is more meaningful. Serum albumin decreases, α1 and γ globulins increase, serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM may increase, and serum complement C3 and C4 often increase. About 50% of patients have elevated alkaline phosphatase, and serum creatine phosphokinase is often also elevated. Serum rheumatoid factor was negative. Although more than 90% to 95% of AS patients are HLA-B27 positive, HLA-B27 is generally not relied upon to diagnose AS, and HLA-B27 is not routinely tested.

4. X-ray examination

It is of great significance for the diagnosis of AS. 98% to 100% of cases have X-ray changes of the sacroiliac joints in the early stages, which is an important basis for the diagnosis of this disease. Early X-ray manifestations are sacroiliitis, and the lesions generally begin in the middle and lower parts of the sacroiliac joint and are bilateral. It initially invades the iliac side and then the sacral side. It can be seen in spots or lumps, which are more obvious on the iliac side. It can then invade the entire joint, with jagged edges, subchondral bone sclerosis, bone hyperplasia, and narrowing of the joint space. Finally, the joint space disappears and bony ankylosis occurs. The X-ray diagnostic criteria for sacroiliitis are divided into 5 stages: Grade 0 is a normal sacroiliac joint, Stage I is suspected sacroiliitis, Stage II is blurred sacroiliac joint margins, slight sclerosis and microinvasive lesions, and no changes in the joint space, Stage III is moderate or progressive sacroiliitis, accompanied by one (or more) changes: sclerosis of the near-joint area, narrowing/widening of the joint space, bone destruction or partial ankylosis, and Stage IV is complete joint fusion or ankylosis with or without sclerosis.

The X-ray manifestations of spinal lesions are generalized osteoporosis in the early stages, blurring of the facet joints and vertebral trabeculae (decalcification), "square vertebrae" and disappearance and straightening of the normal anterior curvature of the lumbar spine, which may cause compression fractures of one or more vertebrae. The lesion develops to the intervertebral facet joints of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae, calcification occurs in the interdisc space, calcification and ossification of the annulus fibrosus and anterior longitudinal ligament, and ligament osteophyte formation, which causes adjacent vertebrae to fuse together and form bone bridges between vertebrae, presenting the most characteristic "bamboo-like spine". The X-ray manifestations of primary AS and spondylitis secondary to inflammatory bowel disease, Reiter syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, etc. are similar, but the latter is asymmetric ankylosing. Bone erosion and periostitis may occur at the attachment sites of ligaments, tendons, and bursae, most commonly at the calcaneus, ischial tuberosity, iliac crest, etc. Similar X-ray changes may occur in other peripheral joints.

What are the examination items for ankylosing spondylitis? The above content is an introduction to the examination items for ankylosing spondylitis. I believe everyone has already understood the examination items for ankylosing spondylitis. If you realize that you may have ankylosing spondylitis, it is best to go to a regular hospital for a detailed examination.