ABSTRACT
The rheumatological diseases known as spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) are reviewed with respect to the current classifications of SpAs and from the perspective of ophthalmic practitioners. The focus is on the most common spondyloarthropathy, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and the key symptoms, such as inflammatory back pain. The association with HLA-B27 and acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and the major clinical considerations for primary eye care practitioners are reviewed. An atypical case study illustrates difficulties in the detection and diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis.
Acknowledgements
I wish to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Dr John Findeisen MBBS FRACP, Department of Rheumatology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Melbourne in the preparation of this review.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).