Spinal changes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis on MRI: case series

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging appearances are described in three cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). The different appearances of AS on magnetic resonance imaging are described and their significance in relation to the pathology of this condition is discussed. MRI is increasingly used to detect changes in the spine of patients with AS. Spinal changes associated with spondyloarthritis are florid anterior spondylitis (Romanus lesion), florid discitis (Andersson lesion), ankylosis, insufficiency fractures of the ankylosed spine, syndesmophytes, arthritis of the apophyseal and costovertebral joints and enthesitis of the interspinal ligaments.