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The article is devoted to ParryRomberg syndrome, one of the rare diseases. Here we declare contemporary views on predisposing factors, pathogenesis and character of clinical performance. We describe the methods of differential diagnostics, the criteria of diagnostics as well as contemporary treatment methods. We also describe a case history of the disease.

A study of the international literature on texture analysis was performed, and the reported data was compared to the findings of radiomics studies performed by the specialists of our institute. The relevant papers were searched using a combination of the following search terms: “radiomics”, “radiology”, “texture analysis”, “perspectives”, and “clinical implementation”. The search was limited to papers published in English within the last 5 years, which essentially focused on liver and pancreas disorders. Due to the publication of new data on a fairly daily basis, the topic has not lost its relevance. The vast majority of authors confirm that radiomics can be efficiently used during diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. However, consensus on the implementation of radiomics has not been reached yet, thereby delaying its introduction into clinical practice. The data collected in our institution reports that the clinical application of texture analysis methods may be very promising.

The article discusses one of the variants of overlap syndrome – a combination of symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Three clinical cases are described, in these cases characteristic signs of both diseases were noted and the criteria of both diseases were met. The genetic factors and immunopathogenetic mechanisms underlying AS and RA are analyzed. A review of the literature on the combination of AS and RA is presented.

BackgroundUveitis is a frequent extra-skeletal manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Data on the association of uveitis with other clinical manifestations of AS are contradictory and require further study.ObjectivesTo assess the association of uveitis in AS with demographics and genetics, spine lesions, peripheral disease, coxitis, enthesitis.Methods402 AS pts (New York criteria, 1984), were observed in V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology. 168 pts had at least 1 episode of uveitis (group 1), 234 pts did not have uveitis (group 2). The patients underwent standard clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination, including HLA-27- testing, Х-ray examinaiton of joints and spine, ultrasonography of joints and entheses. Two groups were compared by gender, onset age and AS duration, presence of HLA-B27, damage of the spine, hip and peripheral joints and enthesitis.ResultsBoth groups were dominated by men: 117 of 168 in group 1 and 189 of 234 in group 2. However, among patients with uveitis, the proportion of women was significantly higher: 51/168 (30.3%) and 45/234 (19.2%), p=0.01. The average duration of the disease was comparable in both groups – 14.9±10.2 and 12.8±9.9 years, respectively. The number of patients with AS onset before the age of 16 also did not significantly differ: 22/168 (13.1%) in the group with uveitis, 35/234 (14.9%) in the group without uveitis, p=0.6. HLA-B27 in the group with uveitis was in 166/168 patients (98.8%) and in 221/234 (94.4%) in the group without uveitis, p=0.04. Syndesmophytes were observed in both groups with similar frequency: in the cervical spine - in 49/168 (29.1%) in group 1 and in 78/234 (33.3%) in group 2, p>0.05; in the lumbar spine – in 87 /168 (51.8%) and in 139/234 (59.4%), respectively, p>0.05. Hip joint lesion (coxitis) was present in 75/168 (44.6%) and in 112/234 (53.8%) respectively, p=0.52; enthesitis – in 114/168 (67,9%) and in 168/234(71,8%), p>0.05. Peripheral arthritis was observed significantly more often in the group with uveitis: in 113/168 (67.2%) and in 70/234 (33.2%) respectively, pConclusionAS with uveitis is characterized by a greater proportion of women and stronger association with HLA-B27, compared with patients without uveitis. Peripheral arthritis with predominant involvement of the knee and ankle joints is significantly more common in AS pts with uveitis compared with pts without uveitis.References[1]Lee JH, Choi M, Rim THT, Lee SC, Lee CS. Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors in Ankylosing Spondylitis Associated Uveitis.Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2019;27(1):64-69. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2017.1359630.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

This literature review is dedicated to the Behçet's disease - a multi-symptom, severe autoimmune condition, relatively rare among the population of the former Soviet republics, and to one of its three most frequent manifestations - uveitis.Данный обзор посвящен болезни Бехчета — достаточно редко встречающемуся на постсоветском пространстве многосимптомному и достаточно тяжелому аутовоспалительному заболеванию, а также одному из трех наиболее частых его проявлений — увеиту.

Anterior uveitis (AU) is one of the common extraskeletal manifestations of spondyloarthritis (SpA). The course of AU in patients with SpA is characterized by frequent relapses. The article considers the question of local and systemic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment and prevention of SpA-associated uveitis exacerbations.Передний увеит традиционно является типичным внескелетным проявлением спондилоартритов (СпА). Течение переднего увеита при СпА характеризуется частыми рецидивами. В данном обзоре рассматривается вопрос местного и системного применения нестероидных противовоспалительных препаратов (НПВП) в лечении и предотвращении обострений увеита, ассоциированного со СпА.

Aim to identify outdated terms and make changes to the terminology of spondyloarthritis.At the first stage of the work, the terms divided into two categories: "outdated" definitions and terms that need to be improved or unified. Subsequently, each member of the Expert Group of Spondyloarthritis at the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia (ExSpA) presented by its own definition of the designated term or agreed with the previous term. At the next stage, the existing definitions were put together. After discussion, experts left a term that scored at least 2/3 of the votes. The special opinion of experts was recorded, whose did not coincide with the majority opinion. An open vote was conducted, when defining an "outdated" term with the unanimous decision of all group members, this term was not recommended for further clinical use.The work carried out allowed us to identify a number of terms that are not recommended for use in clinical practice. Number of terms are defined, which should be used when discussing the problem of spondyloarthritis.The Expert Group of Spondyloarthritis at the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia suggests using or, accordingly, not using a number of terms and their definitions in clinical practice.Цель исследования: выявить устаревшие термины и внести изменения в терминологию, используемую при обсуждении проблемы спондилоартритов. Материалы и методы. На первом этапе работы собраны уже употребляемые термины, их разделили на две категории: «устаревшие» определения и термины, требующие доработки или унификации. В дальнейшем каждый член Экспертной группы по изучению спондилоартритов при Ассоциации ревматологов России (ЭкСпА) представлял свое определение обозначенного термина либо соглашался с прежним термином. На следующем этапе имевшиеся определения сводились воедино, после обсуждения оставляли термин, который набрал не менее 2/3 голосов, отдельно фиксировалось особое мнение экспертов, чье мнение не совпадало с мнением большинства. При определении «устаревшего» термина проводили открытое голосование, при единогласном решении всех членов группы этот термин не рекомендовался для дальнейшего клинического использования. Результаты. Проведенная работа позволила выделить ряд терминов, которые не рекомендованы к употреблению в современных условиях, даны определения и расшифровка целого ряда терминов, которые, напротив, целесообразно использовать при обсуждении проблемы спондилоартритов. Заключение. Экспертный совет по спондилоартритам при Ассоциации ревматологов России предлагает использовать или, соответственно, не использовать ряд терминов и их определения в повседневной клинической практике и при описании клинических и иных исследований.

Extraskeletal manifestations (ESMs) are commonly observed in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The available data on the association of ESMs with the inflammatory activity and other clinical parameters of AS are contradictory. Objective : to assess the association of ESMs with the inflammatory activity and other manifestations of AS. Patients and methods . The investigators of the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology examined a total of 452 patients (363 men and 89 women) diagnosed with AS meeting the New-York criteria (1984). The patients' median age was 31.5 [24; 41] years; median disease onset age, 19.5 [15; 23] years; and disease duration, 11.5 [7; 18] years. HLA B27 was identified in 442 (97.7%) patients. In addition to standard laboratory and instrumental examinations, 172 patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography; Rehberg's test, if indicated; IgA test; histological examination of subcutaneous fat tissue or duodenal mucosa for amyloid; renal ultrasound; colonoscopy; and consultations by an ophthalmologist, a dermatologist, a nephrologist, an urologist, and a gastroenterologist. Uveitis, cardiac involvement (cardiac conduction disturbance, aortic and valvular changes), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), glomerulonephritis, and psoriasis were considered to be ESMs. The latter were detected in 218 (48%) of the 452 patients; there was uveitis in 140 (30%), cardiac conduction disturbance in 61 (13.4%), psoriasis in 17 (3.7%), IBD in 16 (3.5%), nephritis in 16 (3.5%), and aortic and valvular changes in 71 (41.2%) of the 172 patients. The groups of patients with ESM (n = 218) and without ESM (n=234) were compared with regard to the onset age of AS, the presence of HLA- 27, peripheral arthritis, coxitis, enthesitis, syndesmophytis, fever, anemia, the need for biological agents (BAs) and/or systemic glucocorticoids (GCs), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results. The ESM and non-ESM groups were matched for gender, age, duration of AS, and the presence of HLA-В27. No significant differences were found in ESR, BASDAI, and the frequency of coxitis, enthesitis, and syndesmophytis in the spine. The ESM group versus non-ESM group was significantly more frequently observed to have peripheral arthritis in 148 (67.8%) of the 218 patients and in 70 (33.2%) of the 234 patients, respectively (p

Background:Uveitis is a common extra-skeletal manifestation of various systemic diseases, in particular, spondyloarthritis (SpA). Uveal cataract is the frequent complication of endogenous uveitis. Surgical treatment of uveal cataracts is associated with certain problems, the main being a potential risk of recurrence of uveitis, especially in the case of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.Objectives:To analyse the results of surgery of complicated uveal cataract in patients with SpA and other rheumatic disorders.Methods:30 pts (34 eyes) with uveal cataract as a result of systemic immuno-inflammatory diseases were assessed in the “Research Institute of Eye Diseases” in the period from 2006 to 2018. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 2 to 12 years. 20 pts had different variants of SpA (Group 1):7 (7 eyes) - ankylosing spondylitis, 1 (1 eye) –reactive arthritis, 1 (1 eye) - psoriatic arthritis, 4 (6 eyes) – juvenile spondyloarthritis, 8 (8 eyes) non-radiological SpA. 10 patients (11 eyes) had other systemic diseases (Group 2): 1 (1 eye) Behcet’s disease, 1 (1 eye) - multiple sclerosis, 3 (3 eyes) - Fuchs heterochromic cyclitis, 2 (2 eyes) -cutaneous psoriasis, and 3 (4 eyes) -uveitis of unknown etiology. 4 pts (6 eyes) with juvenile arthritis and pronounced corneal ribbon degeneration were underwent standard intracapsular cryoextraction of the cataract, followed by optical correction of aphakia using spectacle lenses. In other cases, ultrasound phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was used as a surgical aid. All patients had a period of uveitis remission before opreation for at least 2 months.Аnti-inflammatory therapy using local glucocorticoid and local and systemic nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was prescribed 2 weeks before and within a month after the operation. Intra and postoperative complications, fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP), improvement of visual acuity, and the frequency of uveitis flares after surgery were assessеd as the main criteria for analyzing the results of surgery.Results:А statistically significant decrease in the number of uveitis exacerbations was observed in all pts: in group 1 - from 2,5 ± 0,65 to 1, 2 ± 0,65 per year (pConclusion:Surgery of uveal cataracts in pts with SpA and other immuno-inflammatory diseases providing adequate pre- and postoperative аnti-inflammatory therapy improves visual acuity and reduces the frequency of uveitis relapses. Monitoring of IOP is necessary in the postoperative period.References:[1]Mora P., Gonzales S., Ghirardini S. et al. Perioperative prophylaxis to prevent recurrence following cataract surgery in uveitis patients a two-centre, prospective, randomized trial. Acta Ophthalmol. Scandinavica Fondation. 2016 Sept.; 94(6): e 390-394. http//doi. 10.1111/aos.12955. Epub 2016 Feb 5.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

This review is devoted to the potential application of genetically engineered biological drugs of different classes in the treatment of main forms of uveitis and other types of non-infectious ocular inflammation in immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases. The article presents the results of studies demonstrating the influence of interleukin-17 inhibitor secukinumab on the course of uveitis in spondylarthritis, shows the possibilities of treating uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis with inhibitors of interleukin-6, co-stimulation of T-lymphocytes. Inhibition of interleukin-1 is considered an effective method of influencing the ocular inflammation in monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes and Behcet's disease. Rituximab is considered as an option for immunosuppressive therapy of non-infectious uveitis and scleritis.Обзор посвящен возможностям применения генно-инженерных биологических препаратов разных классов для лечения основных форм увеита и других видов неинфекционного глазного воспаления при иммуновоспалительных ревматических заболеваниях. Представлены результаты исследований, демонстрирующих влияние ингибитора инерлейкина-17 секукинумаба на течение увеита при спондилоартритах. Показаны возможности лечения увеита при ювенильном идиопатическом артрите ингибиторами интерлейкина-6, ко-стимуляции Т-лимфоцитов. Ингибирование интерлейкина-1 рассматривается в качестве эффективного метода воздействия на глазное воспаление при моногенных аутовоспалительных синдромах, болезни Бехчета. В качестве варианта иммуносупрессивной терапии неинфекционного увеита и склерита рассматривается ритуксимаб.

The article describes clinical cases with effective use of some genetically engineered biological agents for arresting and preventing uveitis attacks, and discusses the potential usage of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors and interleukin-17 inhibitors in the treatment of uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.В статье представлены описания клинических случаев, свидетельствующих об эффективности некоторых генно-инженерных биологических препаратов в отношении купирования и предотвращения атак увеита у больных анкилозирующим спондилитом. Обсуждается возможность применения ингибиторов фактора некроза опухоли α, а также ингибиторов интерлейкина-17 для лечения увеита при анкилозирующем спондилите.

The paper gives the recommendations for the assessment of disease activity and functional status in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in clinical practice, which have been developed by experts, by taking into account international and Russian experience in managing these patients.

To perform comparative analysis of the frequency of various complications of anterior uveitis associated with HLA-B27 antigen in patients with and without spondyloarthritis.Retrospective analysis included 189 patients with anterior uveitis (AU) associated with histocompatibility antigen (HLA-B27). The Follow-up period lasted 10 years.189 patients with AU associated with antigen HLA-B27 were divided into two groups. The first group included 108 patients with various diseases of the spondyloarthritis (SpA) group; the second study group consisted of 81 patient with no signs of SpA. Number of patients with complications was 1.5 times higher in the first group. Complicated cataract, glaucoma, synechiae, myodesopsia occurred significantly more frequently in patients of the first group compared to AU patients of the second group, where idiopathic AU was more prevalent. Cystoid macular edema, corneal degeneration, optic nerve atrophy were observed more often in patients with SpA, but differences between the groups were statistically insignificant. Combination of complications also occurred significantly more often in SpA patients. Comparison of the frequency of AU attacks showed that the amount of uveitis attacks per 100 patient-years was higher in patients with SpA. Mean number of AU attacks per year was also higher in the first study group, but differences between the groups were statistically insignificant.Retrospective analysis of 189 patients with AU associated with HLA-B27 antigen revealed significantly higher frequency of complications, together with more frequent acute episodes in patients with SpA in comparison with patients without it confirming the notion that a systemic inflammatory disease can influence the severity of the course of AU.Цель исследования - провести сравнительный анализ частоты развития различных вариантов осложнений передних увеитов, ассоциированных с HLA-B27-антигеном, у пациентов со спондилоартритами и без них. Материал и методы. Ретроспективно проведен анализ результатов обследований 189 пациентов с передним увеитом (ПУ), ассоциированным с антигеном гистосовместимости (HLA-B27). Срок наблюдения составил 10 лет. Результаты. 189 пациентов с ПУ, ассоциированным с HLA-B27-антигеном, были разделены на две группы. В 1-ю группу вошли 108 пациентов с различными заболеваниями, относящимися к группе спондилоартритов (СпА), 2-ю группу составил 81 пациент без признаков СпА. Число пациентов с осложнениями из 1-й группы в 1,5 раза превышало число пациентов из 2-й группы. Осложненную катаракту, глаукому, синехии, деструкцию стекловидного тела достоверно чаще наблюдали у пациентов 1-й группы по сравнению с ПУ у пациентов из 2-й группы, в которой преобладал идиопатический ПУ. Кистозный макулярный отек, дегенерация роговицы, атрофия зрительного нерва чаще отмечены при наличии СпА, однако межгрупповые различия были статистически недостоверны. Также достоверно чаще выявлено сочетание нескольких осложнений на фоне СпА. При сравнении частоты обострений ПУ оказалось, что число обострений увеита на 100 пациенто-лет было выше при наличии СпА. Среднее число обострений ПУ в год в 1-й группе также было выше, однако межгрупповые различия были статистически недостоверны. Заключение. Результаты ретроспективного анализа обследований 189 пациентов с ПУ, ассоциированным с HLA-В27-антигеном, продемонстрировали достоверно более высокую частоту развития осложнений при более высокой частоте обострений у больных СпА в сравнении с больными без СпА, что подтверждает представления о влиянии системного воспалительного заболевания на тяжесть течения ПУ.

Background HLA-B27- associated anterior uveitis (AU) can be an isolated disease or part of а systemic inflammatory process, such as spondyloarthritis. Differences in the outcome of uveitis with and without spondyloarthritisare still under researh. Objectives To compare the incidence of complications in HLA-B27- associated anterior uveitis patients with and without spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods 189 patients with HLA-B27- associated anterior uveitis were observed in Research Institute of Eye Disease for 10 years. The pts were underwent standard ophthalmological examination, and, if necessary, computer perimetry, ultrasound examination (B-scan.), optical coherence tomography of the retina and optic nerve (OCT), fluorescence fundus angiography (FAGD) and electrophysiological studies (EFI). All pts were examined for clinical and imaging signs of SpA: inflammatory back pain, arthritis, enthesitis, sacroiliitis. Different variants of SpA were diagnosed in 108 pts: ankylosing spondylitis – in 48 (44,4%), reactive arthritis – in 9 (8,3%), psoriatic arthritis - in 9 (8,3%), inflammatory bowel disease – in 2(1,9%), juvenile SpA – in 4 (3,7%), undifferented SpA - in 36 (33,3%). In 81 pts SpA was not confirmed: 11 had a viral infection (13,5%), 7- bacterial infection (8,6%), 1 (1,2%)-multiple sclerosis, 3 (3,7%) -psoriasis, 59 (72,8%)- idiopathic AU. Results Complications were identified in 74 of 108 (68,5%) pts – 147 eyes in SpA-group and in 39of 81(48,1%) – 110 eyes in group without SpA. Cataract was identified in 89 (60,5%) of 147 eyes in SpA-group and in 35(1,8%) of 110 eyes in group without SpA, p=0,0001;glaucoma – in 28 of 147 eyes (19,0%) in SpA-group and 8 of 110 eyes (7,3%) in group without SpA, p=0,005; synechia - in 24(16,3%) and in 8 (7,3%) respectively, p=0,021;vitreous destruction - in 59(40,1%) and in 26 (23,6%), p=0,005. Maculopathy, оptic atrophy, сorneal degeneration, panuveitis were observed more often in SpA-group, but the differences were not significant. Combinations of several complications were detected in 59 (40,1%) in SpA-group and in 31 (28,2%) in group without SpA, p=0,03. Conclusion Complications of HLA-B27- associated AU were identified more often in pts with SpA than without SpA (the majority of which was idiopathic AU). It confirms the effect of systemic inflammatory disease on the severity of uveitis. Reference [1] Yang P, Wan W, Du L, et al. Clinical features of HLA-B27-positive acute anterior uveitis with or without ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese cohort. Br J Ophthalmol. 2018Feb;102(2):215-219. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-309499. Epub 2017 Jun 12 Disclosure of Interests None declared

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic inflammatory disease involving not only the skeleton, but also other organs. The data on the frequency and clinical significance of extraskeletal manifestations are contradictory. Objective: to assess the frequency and severity of extraskeletal manifestations (ESMs) of AS in the authors' own clinical practice. Subjects and methods. 452 patients (363 men and 89 women) with AS fulfilling the 1984 relevant New York criteria were examined at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology in 2005 and 2014. The patients' median age was 31.5 [24; 41] years; median disease onset age, 19 [15; 23] years; disease duration, 11 [7; 18] years; HLA B27 was identified in 442 (97.7%) patients. In addition to standard laboratory and instrumental examinations, transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 172 patients. Rehberg's test, IgA test, histological examination of subcutaneous fat tissue or duodenal mucosa for amyloid, and renal ultrasound were made if there were urinary abnormalities and elevated creatinine levels. If indicated, there were consultations by an ophthalmologist with an appropriate instrumental examination (with evidence of uveitis in the history), a dermatologist, a nephrologist, an urologist, a gastroenterologist, and a endoscopist. Uveitis, cardiac involvement (conduction disturbance, aortic and valvular changes), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), glomerulonephritis, and psoriasis were borne in mind as ESMs. The absolute number and percentage of patients having any ESM over the follow-up period were estimated. The number of exacerbations per year and that of complications were taken into account when evaluating uveitis; the magnitude of valvular regurgitation and the presence of prosthetic valves and a pacemaker were considered when assessing cardiac damage; the total body surface area (BSA) and the psoriasis areas and severity index (PASI) were estimated in psoriasis; the presence and stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or macrohematuria were kept in mind in nephropathy; when evaluating IBD, the Harvey–Bradshaw index (HBI) was determined on the basis of a stool frequency, the presence of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and general well-being. Results and discussion. ESMs were detected in 218 (48%) of the 452 patients. Uveitis was present in 140 (30%) patients; in one-fourth of them, it relapsed frequently: three or more exacerbations per year and more than 10 during the disease; 41 (29%) patients had uveitis complications accompanied by visual impairment. Cardiac conduction disturbance was revealed in 61 (13%) patients. Five of them underwent pacemaker implantation. 71 (41.2%) patients were found to have aortic and valvular changes, including aortic root dilatation/thickening in 60 (34.8%) patients and aortic/mitral valve leaflet thickening in 63 (36.6%). Grades 3 and 4 valvular regurgitation was noted in 10 (5.8%) patients; valve replacement was carried out in 9 (5.2%) cases. Nephritis was diagnosed in 16 (3.5%) patients, 4 of them had Stage 2 or above of CKD. Psoriasis was present in 17 (3.7%) patients; 2 of them had severe psoriasis (BSA >10%). IBD (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) was diagnosed in 16 (3.5%) patients, including 4 who showed a severe course. 79 (36%) patients were observed to have a concurrence of two or more ESMs; that of uveitis and heart disease was most commonly seen. Conclusion. ESMs are observed in nearly half (48%) of the patients with AS and can be concurrent; the most common ESMs of AS are uveitis, aortic root and heart valve lesions, and cardiac conduction disturbance. ESMs worsen the course and prognosis of AS.

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) leads to back pain and structural damage that may result in functional impairment1. Function is usually assessed in clinical trials conducted in developed countries, with patients receiving biological therapy2,3. Objectives: To evaluate variation in the Bath Ankylosing Functional index (BASFI) over time in a AS cohort followed in a developing country. Compare the improvement in BASFI between patients achieving or not sustained (≥12 months) ASDAS-CRP remission/low disease activity (LDA). Analyze predictors for achieving a minimum clinically important improvement (MCII) in BASFI (ΔBASFI ≤ -0.6)4. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was conducted in a retrospective cohort. Adult patients fulfilling the New York criteria for AS and followed during at least 5 years in the Spondyloarthritis clinic were included. BASFI variation (ΔBASFI) was described as median (25th/75th). Comparison of ΔBASFI between patients fulfilling or not sustained ASDAS-CRP remisson/LDA was done using the Mann-Whitney test. Hierarchical Poisson model was used to identify predictors for achieving a MCII in BASFI. Results: 69 patients were analyzed, 53.6% were men, the mean age was 48.9±11.4 years, and the mean follow-up time was 6.1±0.5 years, median (25th/75th) disease duration of 10 (5-18) years; 14.5% of the patients were on biological therapy at baseline. The median (25th/75th) ΔBASFI was low: -0.1 (-1.9 /+1.1) but 46.4% (N= 32) presented a MCII in BASFI during follow-up. Patients who achieved sustained ASDAS-CRP remission/LDA had a significant improvement in BASFI over time compared with those who did not achieve this target (p=0.026) (Figure 1). Patients with higher BASFI scores at baseline had a greater probability of achieving a MCII in BASFI (RR1.13 95%CI 1.00-1.27 p=0.047). Achieving and maintaining ASDAS-CRP remission/LDA during at least 12 months increased in 82% the probability to obtain a MCII in BASFI (RR 1.82 95% CI 1.14-2.91, p=0.012). Conclusion: Patients achieving sustained ASDAS-CRP remission/LDA had better functional outcomes over time compared to those not achieving this target. Higher BASFI scores at baseline and sustained ASDAS remission/LDA were predictors of a MCII in BASFI. References: [1] Madsen OR: Stability of fatigue, pain, patient global assessment and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) in spondyloarthropathy patients with stable disease according to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Rheumatol Int. 2018;38(3):425-432. [2] Baraliakos X, Kivitz AJ, et al: Long-term effects of interleukin-17A inhibition with secukinumab in active ankylosing spondylitis: 3-year efficacy and safety results from an extension of the Phase 3 MEASURE 1 trial. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2018; 36(1):50-55 [3] Deodhar A, Reveille JD, et al: Safety and Efficacy of Golimumab Administered Intravenously in Adults with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results through Week 28 of the GO-ALIVE Study. J Rheumatol. 2018; 45(3):341-348 [4] Kviatkovsky MJ, Ramiro S, Landewe R, et al: The Minimum Clinically Important Improvement in Patient-acceptable Symptom State in the BASDAI and BASFI for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. J Rheumatol 2016; 43(9): 11680-1686. Disclosure of Interests: Juliana Maria Kerber Grant/research support from: This work was sponsored by the regional society of rheumatology (Sociedade de Reumatologia do Rio Grande do Sul)., Juliana Dias de Mello Grant/research support from: This work was sponsored by the regional society of rheumatology (Sociedade de Reumatologia do Rio Grande do Sul)., Penelope Palominos Grant/research support from: This work was sponsored by the regional society of rheumatology (Sociedade de Reumatologia do Rio Grande do Sul)., Andrese Aline Gasparin Grant/research support from: This work was sponsored by the regional society of rheumatology (Sociedade de Reumatologia do Rio Grande do Sul)., Franciele de Almeida Menegat Grant/research support from: This work was sponsored by the regional society of rheumatology (Sociedade de Reumatologia do Rio Grande do Sul)., Claiton Viegas Brenol Grant/research support from: This work was sponsored by the regional society of rheumatology (Sociedade de Reumatologia do Rio Grande do Sul)., Charles Kohem Grant/research support from: This work was sponsored by the regional society of rheumatology (Sociedade de Reumatologia do Rio Grande do Sul).

Background Anterior uveitis (AU) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are associated with HLA-B27. Previous genetic studies in different populations demonstrated other associations, in particular, HLA, both common and different for AU and SpA Objectives To assess the relationship of HLA class I antigens with AU depending on the presence or absence of SpA Methods 148 pts with AU were typed. All pts were divided into 2 groups: 1–52 pts with confirmed diagnosis of SpA (AU +SpA), 96 pts – with other forms of AU (52 – idiopathic AU, 29 – viral AU, 2- multiple sclerosis,, 2 - toxoplasmosis, 1- sarcoidosis, 1- tuberculosis, 3- chlamydial AU, 2 - Behcet’s disease, 3 - juvenile chronic arthritis, 1 - Fuchs′s heterochromic iridocyclitis). 150 healthy donors formed control group. Analysis of the distribution of HLA- class I antigens (loci A, B, Cw) was performed comparing 2 groups of patients with AU and each group with control. Results HLA-27 in the group of pts AU +SpA identified in 96.1% (50/52), in the group AU – in 40,6% (39/96), in control – in 7.3% (11/150). If HLA-27 was present in the genotype, the risk of developing of common pathology (AU +SpA) was OR=315,9 [95% CI 61,9–2176,7], p Conclusions The analysis of the distribution of HLA class I antigens confirmed association of HLA- B27 with AU in Russian population. Other associations, except Cw2, were not identified. Such significant increase of Cw2 in two groups of pts with high frequency of B27 is natural due to the phenomenon of linkage disequilibrium for HLA-B27 and Cw2 antigens. Cw7 antigen can play a ”protective” role in relation to SpA, because the frequency of this gene in the group AU was not reduced compared to control. Reference [1] Robinson PC, Claushuis TA, Cortes A, et al. Genetic dissection of acute anterior uveitis reveals similarities and differences in associations observed with ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Rheumatol.2015Jan;67(1):140–51. doi:10.1002/art.38873 Disclosure of Interest None declared

The paper briefly describes the history of spondyloarthritis studies from the works of the outstanding Russian neurologist V.M. Bekhterev up to the present time. Special emphasis is laid on the results of the representatives of the scientific school of Professor E.R. Agababova, an organizer of the first laboratory of spondyloarthritis in Russia. The major areas of the investigations that are currently under way in Russia are shown.

The rate of osteoporosis (OP) and the mechanism of its development in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other spondyloarthrititides (SpA) have not been sufficiently investigated. Steady-state inflammatory disease activity is anticipated to be the leading factor of OP in AS. Objective: to investigate lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with early axial SpA (axSpA) and to reveal its association with inflammatory disease activity. Subjects and methods. A total of 150 patients (59 men and 91 women) aged 18 to 45 years with inflammatory back pain for ≥3 months and ≤5 years were examined. The diagnosis of axSpA was established in accordance with the 2009 ASAS criteria. BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP were used to assess activity and functional status was evaluated with BASFI. The examination included determination of HLA-B27, X-ray of the pelvis and LS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints, LS, and hip joints (in the presence of clinical signs of their involvement), and densitometry of LS (LI–IV) and FN. By taking into account the patients’ young age, the Z score was used to estimate BMD. The Z-score -2 SD or lower in at the least one of the regions examined is considered to be diminished BMD. Results and discussion. The median Z-score was -0.7 [-1.3; -0.2] SD for FN and -0.9 [-1.6; -0.6] SD for LS. Reduced BMD in at the least one of the regions examined was diagnosed in 27 (18.0%) patients. There was lower BMD in LS in 21 (14.0%) patients and in FN in 8 (5.3%). Two (1.3%) patients were diagnosed as having osteopenia in the two examined regions. There was no association between diminished BMD and age, gender, disease activity assessed with BASDAI, ASDAS-СRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). An association was found between inflammatory LS changes, as evidenced by MRI (MRI spondylitis), and reduced BMD in at least one of the examined regions. MRI spondylitis was detected in 27 (18.0%) patients. Decreased BMD in any of the examined skeletal regions was seen in 9 (33.3%) of the 27 patients having MRI spondylitis; the remaining 18 (66.7%) patients had normal BMD values. In the absence of MRI spondylitis, osteopenia was identified in 18 (14.6%) patients; normal BMD values were noted in 105 (85.4%); p = 0.03). There was also a relationship between the presence of MRI spondylitis and diminished BMD in the same region. LS osteopenia was found in 7 (25.9%) patients with MRI spondylitis and LS BMD remained within the normal range in 20 (74.1%). In the absence of MRI spondylitis, LS osteopenia was observed in 14 (11.4%) patients and LS BMD was normal in 109 (88.6%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion. There was an association between inflammatory LS changes, as evidenced by MRI, and reduced BMD in the same region. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that bone mass loss in the vertebral bodies in early axSpA results from local inflammation.

By the end of the first decade of the 21st century, spondyloarthritis studies have accumulated a certain number of terms that are obsolete, but used by physicians in their everyday speech, on the one hand, and a great variety of different definitions, on the other hand. In January 2014, the first organizational meeting of the Expert Group on Spondyloarthritis, Association of Rheumatologists of Russia, decided that its primary task should be to order the terminology used in this area. The authors primarily collected the terms, which had been already used in medical vocabulary, and then divided them into two categories: obsolete definitions and terms to be finalized and unified. This publication gives guidelines for using the medical terms relevant to spondyloarthritis and separately discusses how to correctly write the term sacroiliitis.

Uveitis is one of the most frequent extraskeletal manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite iridocyclitis being the most prevalent form of uveitis in patients with AS, and the rareness of the involvement of posterior eye segments in the inflammatory process, the frequent exacerbation of the disease, a significant number of patients develop complications that lead to decrease of visual acuity. The review features theoretical prerequisites for application of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors: infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept. Literature data speaks for high efficacy of TNF-alpha inhibitors in prevention and arrest of uveitis onset in patients with AS.Увеит - одно из наиболее частых внескелетных проявлений анкилозирующего спондилита (АС). Несмотря на то что преобладающей формой увеита при АС является иридоциклит и редко вовлекаются в воспалительный процесс задние отделы глаза, тем не менее из-за частых обострений заболевания у значительной части больных развиваются осложнения, приводящие к снижению остроты зрения. В обзоре представлены теоретические предпосылки использования ингибиторов фактора некроза опухоли альфа (ФНОα): инфликсимаба, адалимумаба и этанерцепта. Данные литературы свидетельствуют о высокой эффективности ингибиторов ФНОα в отношении купирования и предотвращения атак увеита при АС.

to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of HLA class 1 histocompatibility antigens in the development of anterior uveitis.A total of 137 patients with anterior uveitis followed up at the Research Institute of Eye Diseases in 2009-2016 were tested for HLA antigens (A and B loci). The average patient's age was 29±12.4 years. All patients underwent a thorough medical interview with clinical and laboratory assessment. In case of suspected association with systemic disease, the patients were referred for consultation at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology. HLA typing was performed using a standard microlymphocytotoxicity test with specific anti-HLA sera (production of Gisans CC, Saint Petersburg). Statistical processing was performed with Statistica 6.0 software by applying methods of descriptive and nonparametric statistics (Mann-Whitney test).The results of HLA class 1 typing indicated a significant positive association between uveitis and the HLA-B27 antigen (p0.00001). Moreover, there was a trend toward decreased frequencies of В7, B12, and B21 antigens (p=0.1), however, the changes were not statistically significant as compared to the control group. Other HLA class 1 antigens also did not differ significantly in frequency between uveitis patients and the controls.The study has confirmed an association between certain histocompatibility antigens and systemic diseases. However, a statistically reliable relationship has been established only for the HLA-B27 antigen.Цель - оценить диагностическое и прогностическое значение аллелей антигенов гистосовместимости (HLA) класса 1 в развитии передних увеитов. Материал и методы. Проведено типирование на антигены гистосовместимости HLA класса 1 (А и В-локусы) у 137 пациентов с передним увеитом, наблюдавшихся в ФГБНУ 'НИИ глазных болезней' с 2009 по 2016 г. Средний возраст больных составил 29±12,4 года. После тщательного сбора анамнеза, офтальмологического и лабораторного обследований при подозрении на ассоциацию воспалительного заболевания глаз с системным заболеванием пациенты были проконсультированы в ФГБНУ НИИР им. В.А. Насоновой. Типирование HLA-антигенов класса 1 (А и B-локусы) осуществляли с помощью стандартного микролимфоцитотоксического теста с использованием специфических анти-HLA-сывороток ЗАО 'Гисанс' (Санкт-Петербург). Статистическую обработку материала проводили с помощью программы Statistica 6,0 с применением методов описательной и непараметрической статистики (критерий Манна-Уитни). Результаты. Проведенное типирование на антигены гистосовместимости (HLA) класса 1 показало выраженную положительную ассоциативную связь увеита с антигеном HLA-B27 (p0,00001). Выявлена также тенденция к снижению частот антигенов В7, B12 и B21 (p=0,1), однако различия в частотах этих антигенов в группе больных и в контроле не были статистически значимыми. Статистически значимых различий в частоте других HLA класса 1 у больных с увеитами в сравнении с показателями контрольной группы получено не было. Заключение. Исследование подтвердило ассоциацию некоторых антигенов гистосовместимости с определенными нозологическими заболеваниями, но статистически достоверной эта связь была только у заболеваний, ассоциированных с HLA-B27 антигеном.

Background Aortic and valve abnormalities are systemic inflammatory manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Data on the prevalence, clinical significance and evolution are discrepant. Objectives To assess the dynamics of aortic and valve abnormalities detected by transthoracal echocardiography (TTE) in AS pts according to the results of prospective study. Methods 45 pts with AS (The New-York criteria) age Results Negative dynamics was detected in 27 (60%) pts in total. Progression of aortic root dilatation from 1 to 6mm was detected in 12 of 15 pts (80%), in 2 - dilatation was first identified. 14 pts had first identified valve thickening (9 – aortic, 4 – mitral, 1 – both). 5 pts were underwent valve replacement: 4 – aortic, 1 – mitral. AR progression was detected in 10 pts (in 2 – of 2 degree, in 8 – of 1 degree), MR progression – in 6 pts of 1 degree). A negative correlation was found between anti-TNF- therapy and progression of aortic root dilatation (R=-0,329, P=0,03). “Subaortic bump” was first identified in 3 pts. Among 10 pts with subaortic bump initially, decrease from 8mm to 3mm was found in 1 pts, complete regression – in 2, all used biologics. Conclusions Aortic root and valve abnormalities tend to progression in most AS pts. Subaortic bump is able to regress if it is due to inflammatory edema and not fibrosis. Active anti-inflammatory therapy can protect in cardiac disease progression. References Klingberg E, Svealv BG, Tang MS, Bech-Hanssen O, Forsblad-d9Elia H, Bergfeldt L. Aortic Regurgitation Is Common in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Time for Routine Echocardiography Evaluation Am J Med. 2015 Nov;128(11):1244–1250.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.04.032. Epub 2015 Jun 4. van der Horst-Bruinsma IE, Nurmohamed MT. Management and evaluation of extra-articular manifestations in spondyloarthritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2012 Dec;4(6):413–22. doi: 10.1177/1759720X12458372. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Bone loss in patients (pts) with early axial spondyloarthritis is insufficiently studied. Objectives To assess 1-year bone mineral density (BMD) changes at the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) in pts with early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods 47 pts (20 men and 27 women) with axSpA and Results In all 47 pts, baseline median Z-score was -0.6 (-1.3 – 0.2) SD for the FN and -0.7 (-1.8 – 0.3) SD for the LS. Z-score for the FN was significantly lower in women: -1.0 (-1.5 – -0.3) SD and 0.0 (-0.75 – 0.4) SD, respectively, p=0.0065. At baseline examination low BMD at least in one of the sites was evidenced in 8 (17%) pts (4 men and 4 women). While all 8 pts had low LS BMD, 3 of them had also low FN BMD. At baseline examination of the 47 pts association between lumbar spine MRI-spondylitis and low BMD was revealed. MRI-spondylitis was evidenced in 8 (17%) pts: 3 (62.5%) of them had low FN and/or LS BMD, while 5 (62.5%) pts of this group had normal BMD values. In contrast, within the group of pts without the LS MRI inflammation (n=39) nobody had low BMD (p=0.0006). Initially, there was found a relationship between high ASDAS activity and low BMD: 11.5% of pts with high ASDASCRP values had low BMD. In contrast, within the group of pts with low or moderate ASDASCRP values nobody had low BMD (p=0.054). Among the 8 pts with low baseline BMD, 1-year BMD normalized in 3 pts (all women and all initially had low LS BMD). In one patient (male) with normal baseline BMD values low LS BMD at the 1-year visit was observed. Therefore, at 1-year visit fewer pts had low BMD than at baseline examination (n=8, 17% vs n=6, 12.8%, respectively). In males the lowering of LS BMD at 1-year visit was evidenced with much higher confidence than in females (5 among 20 pts, 25%, vs 1 among 27 pts, 3.8%, respectively; p=0.043). Neither at baseline examination nor at 1-year visit any correlation was detected between low BMD and disease duration, high disease activity according to BASDAI, raised CRP or ESR levels, the presence of MRI-sacroiliitis or MRI-coxitis. Conclusions In the Russian cohort of axSpA pts there was found an association between active MRI-spondylitis of the LS and BMD reduction in LS and/or FN. The findings corroborate the hypothesis that low BMD in pts with early axSpA is a result of inflammation. Males more often than females had lowered LS BMD after 1 year of observation. Disclosure of Interest None declared

The presented literature review discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, current diagnosis, and treatment of uveitis associated with HLA-B27 antigens.

The purpose of the present investigation was to diagnose and to treat HLA-B27 antigen-associated uveitis in 102 patients (118 eyes) with anterior and posterior uveitis. HLA antigens were typed to specify the etiopathogenesis of uveitis. Along with this, the patients were examined by a rheumatologist, a rontgenologist, an immunologist, an urologist, a dermatovenereologist, a dentist, and an otorhinolaryngologist. The conventional ophthalmological study and eye B-scanning were also performed. After complex therapy, there were improvements in the ocular state and overall somatic condition, as confirmed by the results of clinical studies. In 81 patients, the time of relapses reduced and the duration of remissions increased; persistent remission occurred in 15 patients. The course of the disease was unchanged in 7 cases. The pathogenetic role of B-27 antigen in the development of uveitis, as well as ankylosing spondylarthritis, seronegative spondylarthropathy, and other types of spondyloarthritis has not been explained so far. Notwithstanding this, the joint efforts of an oculist, a rheumatologist, and, not rarely, other specialists and the specific features of a clinical approach could provide a pronounced positive effect in treating the patients with HLA-27-associated uveitis.

to perform a prospective study of clinical presentation and course of uveitis in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients as well as its association with the HLA-B27 histocompatibility antigen.The study included 219 patients with uveitis, all tested for HLA-B27 antigen and various infections (viral, bacterial, and parasitic) as well as examined for locomotive system involvement.The presence of the HLA-B27 antigen was determined in 142 (64.8%) out of 219 patients, of them 87 were diagnosed with an entity of the SpA group. The remaining 77 (35.2%) patients appeared to be HLA-B27-negative, but 13 were still diagnosed with an entity of the SpA group. There were 10 (4.6%) patients with 2 or more diseases from the SpA group («clinical decussation»). When comparing the two groups of HLA-B27-positive and negative patients having both SpA and uveitis, no statistically significant difference was found as to the age of onset, site, frequency of attacks, and uni- or bilateral involvement (p0.05). We also performed a comparison of HLA-B27-positive and negative patients with no account to their SpA status and revealed a higher complication rate in those that were «negative» (p0.0001), which can be explained by the fact that HLA-B27-negative patients often have autoimmune or infectious uveitis of different origin notable for long attacks and short remissions.Assessing the site and course of uveitis as well as HLA-B27 testing of uveitis patients has proved important for etiological diagnosis. Diseases of the SpA group have been shown to be 6.7 times more common in HLA-B27-positive patients as compared to HLA-B27-negative ones. Clinical presentation of uveitis in the presence of SpA in both HLA-B27-positive and negative patients resembles that of idiopathic uveitis - an independent HLA-B27-associated syndrome (р0.05). Cases of «decussation» between entities of the SpA group are usually more severe in terms of clinical presentation and course of uveitis and are associated with a worse prognosis. Complications of uveitis are more likely to be found in non-SpA HLA-B27-negative patients (р0.0001).Цель - проспективное исследование клиники и течения увеитов при заболеваниях группы спондилоартритов (СпА) и их ассоциации с антигеном гистосовместимости HLA-B27. Материал и методы. Под нашим наблюдением находились 219 пациентов с увеитами. Все больные были обследованы на наличие антигена HLA-B27, на предмет поражения опорно-двигательного аппарата, а также на наличие вирусных, бактериальных и паразитарных инфекций. Результаты. По данным обследования 219 пациентов с увеитами, HLA-B27-антиген выявлен у 142 (64,8%) человек, из них у 87 диагностированы заболевания из группы СпА. Из 77 (35,2%) пациентов с HLA-B27– заболевания из группы СпА установлены у 13 человек. У 10 (4,6%) больных наблюдали по 2 и более заболеваний из группы СпА (клинический перекрест). При сравнении двух групп пациентов с увеитами при СпА, положительных и отрицательных по HLA-B27-антигену, не было получено статистически значимой разницы по возрасту возникновения заболевания, локализации процесса, частоте атак, одно- и двустороннему поражению (р0,05). При сравнении двух групп пациентов, положительных и отрицательных по HLA-B27-антигену, без учета наличия СпА следует отметить более частые осложнения в группе HLA-B27– (p0,0001), что связано с преобладанием в данной группе пациентов с другой системной аутоиммунной и инфекционной этиологией увеита, отличающейся продолжительными периодами обострений с короткими ремиссиями. Заключение. Оценка локализации и течения увеита, а также исследование пациентов с увеитами на наличие антигена гистосовместимости HLA-B27 важны в определении этиологии заболевания. Заболевания из группы СпА выявлены в 6,7 раза чаще у пациентов с HLA-B27+ по сравнению с пациентами с HLA-B27–. Клиника и течение увеита при СпА с HLA-B27+ и HLA-B27-антигеном схожа с клиникой и течением идиопатического увеита как самостоятельного синдрома, ассоциированного с HLA-B27-антигеном (р0,05). Наличие клинических перекрестов между заболеваниями, относящихся к группе СпА, осложняют клинику и течение увеита и существенно ухудшают прогноз. Осложнения увеита развиваются чаще у пациентов без СпА, отрицательных по HLA-B27-антигену (р0,0001).

To study efficacy and tolerance of leflunomide (LF) in patients with polyarticular psoriatic arthritis (PsA).The analysis was made in 58 patients: 35 (60%) females, 23 (40%) males. Mean age of the patients was 44.9 +/- 10.8 years, PsA duration--9.7 +/- 7.5 years. LF was given by a standard scheme: 100 mg/day for 3 days then 20 mg/day for 6 months. PsA activity was assessed by the number of painful and inflamed joints, pain intensity, VAS, Likert quastionnaire data. Functional status of the patients was estimated according to Health Assessment Questionnaire. Skin syndrome was rated by pruritus scale, 5-score Likert scale and PASI (psoriasis Area and Severity Index). PASI was applied in patients with affected area 3% at least. Quality of life was assessed by Dermatology Life Quality Index. Basic criterion of the treatment efficacy was response by PsARC (Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria). The additional evaluation was made of the number of patients with improvement by criteria ACR 20, ACR 50 and ACR 75 as well as those with 50 and 75% response by PASI (PASI 50 and PASI 75).To the end of the treatment the number of painful and inflamed joints decreased significantly (p0.001) as well as pain, VAS and Likert scores. To the treatment month 6 HAQ index diminished by 36%. According to PsARC, of 58 patients 36 (62%) patients responded. Improvement by ACR 20 was observed in 34 (59%) of 58 patients. PASI changes were not significant (p = 0. 144). DLQI diminished by 36% (p = 0.028). As shown by acute phase indices, LF had no effect on ESR (p = 0.45). CRP fell significantly to treatment month 3 (por = 0.001) and further changes were insignificant. LF tolerance was satisfactory. Ten patients (17%) withdrew because of side effects which were standard. Severe myelo- and hepatotoxicity were absent.LF is highly effective in therapy of polyarticular PsA and has satisfactory tolerance. Perspectives of further use of LF in combined treatment of PsA are associated with its potential to inhibit the disease progression.

Objectives To analyze clinical features of patients (pts) with early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and the possible interrelation of non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSPA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) Methods 150 pts with axSpA and Results At the first examination, 77 (51.3%) pts had X-ray identified sacroiliitis (xSI) and their AS was determined by the mNY criteria (Group 1). 88 (58.7%) pts had sacroiliitis according to MRI (MRI-SI), while 42 of them also had xSI. 46 (30.7%) pts who had active MRI-SI and had no xSI were graded as pts with nr-aSPA (Group 2). In 27 (18.1%) pts, SI was not determined by any of the visualization methods (they were HLA-B27 positive and additionally they had ≥2 other axSPA symptoms (Group 3). Clinical features of pts from all groups are summarized in the Table. Pts of Groups 1 and 2 were comparable by demographic and clinical characteristics. Psoriasis was more common among pts of Group 2 (13.0%) vs Group 1 (1.3%; p=0.007). In Group 1, there were significantly more males than in Group 3 (49.4% and 18.5%, respectively (p=0.004). Among the SI pts (Groups 1 and 2) acute inflammation phase reactants (ESR and CRP) were significantly higher, than in pts without SI. MRI inflammation of the lumbar spine (LS) was more common among the pts with xSI (Group 1 – 25.7%, Group 3 – 7.4%, p=0.04), as well as low BMD (Z≤-2SD) in the LS (Group 1 – 22.4%., Group 3. – 3.9%, p=0.03). Dactylitis was more common among Group 3 pts as compared to the SI cohort (Groups 1 and 2) (p 1-3 =0.05, p 2-3 =0.03), as well as enthesitis (p 1-3 =0.02, p 2-3 =0.04) Conclusions Patients with nr-aSPA but active MRI-SI should be most probably considered as early AS cases, when they did not yet develop destructive changes in sacroiliac joints. Dactylitis and enthesitis are more common in axSpA patients without signs of SI (both by MRI or X-ray). Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Relapsing uveitis is serious problem for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Anti-TNF therapy significantly reduces number of uveitis attacks in AS pts, but it is not always available. There is a need to assess influence of standard DMARDs on incidence of uveitis in AS pts. Objectives To compare rate of uveitis attacks during combined therapy using sulfaslazine and NSAIDs versus monotherapy by NSAIDs. Methods 111 pts with AS and uveitis were assessed at the Institute of Rheumathology. 49 used combined therapy by sulfaslazine 2 grams per day and NSAIDs at least 1 year, mean duration - 3,9±2,28 year. 6 of 49 pts had frequently relapsing course: more than 3 episodes of uveitis per year, 43 – not more, than 3. 62 pts used NSAIDs only during whole observation period, mean duration - 7,2±6,4 year, 9 of them had more than 3 episodes of uveitis per year, 53 – not more, than 3. 23 of 49 pts used NSAIDs only at least 1 year prior to combined therapy, 10 with more than 3 episodes of uveitis per year, 13 - not more, than 3. Results The mean rate of uveitis attacks during monotherapy by NSAIDs for whole group was 2,06±2,04 per year, during combined therapy – less, but not significantly: 1,41±1,83 per year, p=0,08. Among pts with frequency of attacks 3 and less mean rate during combined therapy was significantly lower, than during monotherapy: 0,99±0,87 and 1,37±0,91 accordingly, p=0,04. For pts with frequently relapsing course of uveitis mean rate of attacks was not significantly different: 5,5±2,7 using combined therapy and 5,7±2,5 using monotherapy, p=0,9. Among pts, used monotherapy and combined therapy sequentially, significant reducing of uveitis flares was observed in 13 pts, that had not more than 3 attack per year initially: from 1,92±0,96 to 0,4±0,44, p=0,00003. 10 pts with more than 3 attack per year initially had not significant reducing of uveitis flares: from 5,9±3,02 to 5,33±1,1, p=0,6. Conclusions Combined therapy by sulfaslazine and NSAIDs not reduces significantly number of uveitis attacks in AS pts with frequently relapsing course of uveitis, but significantly reduces among pts with mild disease. References Benitez-Del-Castillo JM, Garcia-Sanchez J, Iradier T, Banares A. Sulfasalazine in the prevention of anterior uveitis associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Eye (Lond). 2000 Jun;14 (Pt 3A):340-3. Munoz-Fernandez S, Hidalgo V, Fernandez-Melόn J. Sulfasalazine reduces the number of flares of acute anterior uveitis over a one-year period J Rheumatol. 2003 Jun;30(6):1277-957 Disclosure of Interest None declared

Objectives To study the association between MRI inflammation of the lumbar spine (LS), sacroiliac joints (SIJs) and hip joints (HJs) and bone mineral density (BMD) in LS and femoral neck (FN) in early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. Methods 150 patients with axSpA and Results MRI inflammation of LS and/or SIJ, and/or HJs has been found in 117 (78.2%) patients. Among the 117 patients of this group 21 (17.9%) had BMD reduction in LS and/or FN. And in the group of patients without MRI inflammation (n=33; 22.0%) low BMD was found in 6 (4.0%) patients ( p =0.96). MRI-sacroiliitis was documented in 102 (68.6%) patients. Among them BMD reduction was found in 17.8%. While in the group of patients without MRI inflammation of SIJs low BMD has been found in 22.5% ( p =0.73). MRI-coxitis was observed in 24 (22.5%) patients, and was associated with low BMD in 12.5% of cases. In the group of patients without inflammatory lesion in HJs, BMD reduction was found in 22.9% patients ( p =0.27). Lumbar spine MRI-spondylitis was observed in 27 (19%) patients, and was associated with low BMD in 33.3% of cases. Meanwhile among the group of patients without MRI-spondylitis of the LS, BMD reduction was documented in 15.2% of cases ( p =0.03). MRI findings and DEXA data are shown in the Table. Conclusions Correlation has been detected between active MRI-spondylitis of the LS and BMD reduction in LS and/or FN. This demonstrates that in patients with early axSpA low BMD is a result of inflammation. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Objectives To analyze gender-specific clinical features of patients with early axSpA. Methods 150 patients with axSpA and Results The Russian cohort of 150 axSpA patients included 59 (39.3%) men and 91 (60.7%) women. The women were significantly older: the median age of men was 25 (23-27), the age of women – 30 (26-34) ( p =0.000001). Men were more often HLA B27 - positive (88% vs 75%; p =0.048). At the first examination, males more often than females had X-ray identified sacroiliitis (xSI): 65.5% vs 42.9% ( p =0.007), and their AS was determined by the mNY criteria. Acute phase inflammation reactants (ESR and CRP) were significantly higher in men. Median ESR was 13 (6-32) mm/h in men, and 8 (5-15) mm/h – in women ( p =0.02); median CRP 16. 7 (1.7-63.3) mg/L and 2.4 (0.9-7.8) mg/L, respectively ( p =0.00004). Calcaneal enthesopathy (US examination) was significantly more often present in men (55.1%), than in women (32.1%; p =0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between men and women in terms of BASDAI and ASDAS activity indexes, presence of peripheral arthritis, coxitis, dactilitis, MRI-sacroiliitis, MRI-spondylitis, low BMD, BASFI functional index, family SpA history. Conclusions In the Russian cohort of axSpA patients, males seem to have a more aggressive disease than females: they have an earlier onset of axSpA, and earlier develop destructive changes in sacroiliac joints. Men are more often HLA B27 – positive. Calcaneal enthesopathy (US-examination) is more common in men. Acute phase reactants (ESR and CRP) are higher in men than in women. Functional BASFI status was similar in both genders. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Objective : to study bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to reveal its association with inflammatory disease activity. Subjects and methods . Seventy-three patients aged 18–45 years with inflammatory back pain lasting at least 3 months and not more than 5 years were examined. Axial SpA was diagnosed according to the 2009 ASAS criteria. BASDAI and ASDAS C-reactive protein (CRP) values were used to estimate disease activity; BASFI was employed to evaluate functional status. The examination encompassed determination of HLA-B27, X-ray of the pelvis and LS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of sacroiliac joints, LS, and hip joints (in the presence of clinical signs of their injuries), densitometry of LS (L I-IV ) and FN. By taking into account the young age of patients, the Z-score was applied to measure BMD. The latter is considered lower if the Z-score is 1–2 standard deviations (SD) in at least one of the segments under study. Results . The median Z-score was -0.7 (-1.3; -0.3) SD for FN and 0.9 (-1.6; -0.5) SD for LS. Reduced BMD in at least one of the segments under study was detected in 13 (17.8%) patients: that in LS and FN in 11 (15.1%) and 5 (6.8%) patients, respectively. Lower BMD was observed in two segments in 3 (4.1%) patients. No association was found between lower BMD and age, gender, disease activity (BASDAI, ASDAS), and laboratory inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and CRP). A relationship was established between inflammatory changes according to the data of MRI of LS (MRI spondylitis) and reduced BMD in the same segment. MRI spondylitis was detected in 8 patients. Five and 3 patients with spondylitis of LS were found to have lower and normal BMD in this segment, respectively. Six out of 65 patients without MRI spondylitis in LS had its reduced BMD and the remaining (n=59) patients had its normal BMD (p=0.0014). Conclusion . There was an association between the active inflammatory changes as evidenced by LS MRI and the reduced BMD in this segment of the axial skeleton. Our data validate the hypothesis that in early axial SpA, bone is lost in the vertebral bodies due to local inflammation.

Objective: to study clinical manifestations of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) fulfilling ASAS criteria and to evaluate Russian version of modified New York criteria for the diagnosis of AS in Russian patients. Subjects and methods . Authors examined 73 patients aged 18–45 years suffering from inflammatory back pain for a period from 3 months to 5 years. BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP were used to assess activity, whereas BASFI – to evaluate functional status. Examination included: assessment of HLA-B27 rate, X-ray of pelvis and lumbar spine, ultrasonography of hip joints and calcaneal regions, magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) of sacroiliac joints, lumbar spine and hip joints (if clinical signs of injury are present), densitometry of lumbar spine (LII–IV) and femoral neck. Results . Mean age of patients was 28.3±6.4 years, mean duration of disease – 19.9±14.4 months. HLA-B27 was found in 94.5% of patients. Mean BASDAI value was 4.1±1.9; ASDAS – 2.7±1.3; BASFI – 2.6±2.1. Peripheral arthritis was observed in 65.8% of cases, coxitis – in 31.5%, calcaneal enthesitis – in 61.6%, dactylitis – in 19.2%, low bone mineral density – in 17.8%. MRI showed inflammatory changes of axial skeleton in 84.9% of patients, active sacroiliitis (SI) – in 72.6%. X-ray revealed definite SI in 49.3% of patients («classic» AS). According to MRI data, 30.1% of patients with active SI and without structural changes of sacroiliac joints had pre-radiological stage of AS (by Russian version of modified New York criteria). 74.0% of patients fulfilled both sets of ASAS criteria for axSpA, 5.5% – met only I criteria set, whereas 20.5% – only II criteria set. Three groups of patients were defined. The first included patients with radiologically proven SI, the second – with MRI-proven SI and the third – patients without SI. Significant difference between the groups was detected either by gender (number of males in groups I and II exceeded that in group III: p1–3=0.002, p2–=0.033) or by the rate of high activity according to ASDAS index (observed in groups I and II more frequently than in group III; p=0.02 in both cases) or by presence of inflammatory changes in spine in MRI scans (detected in 26% of patients of group III, not detected in patients of group II; p=0.05). Conclusion. Half of patients with axSpA symptoms longer than 20 months already have structural changes in sacroiliac joints, so they can be diagnosed as «classic» AS. 80% of patients who had axSpA for less than 5 years match the description of AS provided by Russian version of modified New York criteria; one third of them has pre-radiological stage of disease. Number of males with radiologically proven SI and MRI-proven SI was larger than that of patients without SI. SI is often accompanied with high activity according to ASDAS. MRI showed that, inflammatory processes in spine may precede active SI. No clinical differences were revealed between patients with radiogically proven AS and pre-radiological stage of AS described by Russian version of modified New York criteria.

Background The association between MRI inflammation and bone loss in early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients is not sufficiently studied. Objectives Establishing the association between MRI inflammation of sacroiliac joints (SIJs), lumbar spine (LS) and hip joints (HJs) and bone loss in the nearby bone-joint system in early axial axSpA patients. Methods 73 patients (33 men and 40 women) with early axSpa were examined: mean disease duration 19.9±14.4 months. Patients fulfilled ASAS criteria. Mean age 28.3±6.4 years, mean BASDAI 4.1±1.9; mean ASDAS-CRP 2.7±1.3; mean ESR 21.9±17.6; mean CRP 29.0±38.5; 66 (90.4%) patients were HLA-B27 positive. MRI of SIJs, LS and HJs (in case of hip joint involvement) was performed on Signa Ovation 0.35 T scanner (matrix 288x192). BMD was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) (L2–4). BMD reduction was defined as T score ≤−1. Results MRI inflammation of SIJs and/or LS and/or HJs has been found in 62 (84.9%) patients. Among the 62 patients of this group 44 (71.0%) had BMD reduction in FN and/or LS. And in the group of patients without MRI inflammation (n=11) nobody had bone loss (p=0.0001). MRI sacroiliitis (SI) was observed in 53 (72.6%) patients: 37 (69.8%) of them had BMD reduction in FN and/or LS, and 16 (30.2%) patients of this group had normal BMD values (p=0.007). MRI SI has been found in 32 out of 37 (86.5%) patients that had BMD reduction in the LS; in the group of patients without bone loss in the LS (n=36) MRI SI was observed in 21 (58.3%) patients (p=0.007). MRI SI has been found in 21 out of 27 (77.8%) patients that had BMD reduction in the FN; in the group of patients without bone loss in the FN (n=46) MRI SI was observed in 32 (69.6%) patients (p=0.45). Conclusions Correlation has been detected between inflammatory lesions in SIJs and/or LS and/or HJs and bone loss in FN and/or LS. There is an association between existence of active MRI SI and BMD reduction in the LS. This demonstrates that in patients with early axSpA bone loss is a result of inflammation. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2435

Background Uveitis is most common extraskeletal manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In accordance with traditional views, uveitis within AS characterized by favourable course and rarely leads to impaired vision. Objectives To assess clinical course and complications of uveitis in AS pts. Methods Sectional study of 140 AS pts (98 men and 42 women) with at least one episode of uveitis during disease. In addition to standard rheumatological examination, all pts were examined by ophthalmologist using ophtalmoscopy, biomicroscopy, tonometry, computer perimetry, ultrasonic scanning, as needed - fluorescein angiography and electrophysiological studies of the retina for detection of settings and complications of uveitis. Total number of uveitis flares until study and the average number of flares per year were calculated for each pt. Results 136 (97%) pts had HLA-B27, 43 (30%) - peripheral arthritis, 46 (32%) – other extrasceletal manifestations. Onset of uveitis before manifestation of AS had 37 (26,4%) pts, during first 10 years of AS - 81 (58%), after 10 years of AS – 21 (15%). 33 (24%) had more then 10 episodes of uveitis during diseas and 34 (24,5%) had more then 2 flares per year, 18 (13%) had chronic course of uveitis with persisting of inflammation longer than 3 month. Isolated iridocyclitis was found in 118 (84%)pts, panuveitis – in 12 (8%), separate posterior uveitis – in 2 (0,01%). 122 (87%) pts had unilateral uveitis, 18 (13%) – bilateral, 45 (36%) had alternate eye attacks (D-S). Complications that led to decrease of vision was found in 41 (29%) pts: synechia – in 26 (18%), vitreous body destruction – in 20 (14%), cataract – in 32 (23%), glaucoma – in 13 (9%), maculopathy - in 6 (4%), band keratopathy - in 6 (4%), optic atrophy –in 3 (2%). Direct correlation was found between frequency of uveitis flares and development of complications (Table 1). Conclusions Uveitis within AS characterized by onset predominantly during first 10 year of disease, prevalent unilateral iridocyclitis, recurrent course. Approximately 1|3 of pts have complications with decrese of vision that correlate with frequency of uveitis flares. References Feltkamp T.E.W, Ringrose J. Acute anterior uveitis and spondyloarthropathies. Current Opinion in Rheumatology, 1998, 10: 314-318 Goueia E., Elmann D. Ankylosing spondylitis and uveitis: overview, Bras Rheumatol. 2012; 52: 5 Disclosure of Interest : None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2607

Background The relationship between MRI inflammation and disease activity in early axial spondyloarthritis has not been proved sufficiently. Objectives Establishing the association between clinical activity and MRI inflammation of sacroiliac joints (SIJs), lumbar spine (LS) and hip joints (HJs) in early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients (pts). Methods 73 pts (33 men and 40 women) with early axSpa were examined: disease duration – 19.9±14.4 months. Pts fulfilled ASAS criteria. Age – 28.3±6.4 years, BASDAI – 4.1±1.9; ASDAS-CRP – 2.7±1.3; ESR – 21.9±17.6; CRP – 29.0±38.5; 66 (90.4%) pts were HLA-B27 positive. High disease activity was assumed in cases where BASDAI ≥4, ASDAS-CRP ≥2.1. MRI of SIJs, LS and hip joints (in case of hip joint involvement) was performed on Signa Ovation 0,35 T scanner (matrix 288x192). Results MRI inflammation of SIJs and/or LS and/or HJs has been found in 62 (84.9%) pts: SIJs – in 53 (72.6%) pts, HJs – in 21 (28.7%) pts and LS, – in 8 (11.0%) pts. 42 out of 62 (67.7%) pts that had MRI inflammation in at least one of the three studied sections, had high ASDAS-CRP activity; and out of the group of patients without MRI inflammation (n=11) high ASDAS-CRP has been detected in 4 (36.4%) pts (p=0.047). High ASDAS-CRP activity was observed in 38 out of 53 (71.7%) pts that had active sacroiliitis (SI); out of the group of pts without MRI SI (n=20), high ASDAS-CRP was observed in 8 (40.0%) pts (p=0.012). No association has been found between MRI data and disease activity according to BASDAI. Conclusions Correlation has been detected between inflammatory lesion in SIJs and/or LS and/or HJs and high disease activity according to ASDAS-CRP. There is an association between existence of active MRI SI and high ASDAS-CRP activity. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4134

The course of uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) does not always correlate with inflammation in the axial skeleton and peripheral joints. Effect of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors on uveitis has been insufficiently studied yet, unlike their effect on the peripheral joints and spine. Objective. To compare the frequency of uveitis attacks in patients with AS during treatment with TNFα inhibitors and the conventional anti-inflammatory therapy. Materials and Methods. The study included 48 patients with AS and recurrent uveitis treated with TNFα inhibitors: 25 – infliximab, 15 – adalimumab, 9 – etanercept; 7 patients received two or more drugs sequentially. Median [25th, 75th percentiles] of the treatment duration was 3 [3.5; 5] years. The duration of treatment since the first attack of uveitis until administration of TNFα inhibitors was 5 [5; 9.7] years. Eighteen patients received only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 30 patients received NSAIDs and basic anti-inflammatory drugs (DMARDs), including sulfasalazine (n = 23), methotrexate (n = 4), and cyclosporine (n = 4). Results. The median number of uveitis exacerbations during the standard anti-inflammatory therapy was 1 [0.4; 3] per year; during treatment with TNFα inhibitors – 0 [0; 0.5] per year (p = 0.0007). In 19 of 48 patients (40%), no exacerbations of uveitis were registered during therapy with these drugs. The frequency of uveitis attacks in patients treated with infliximab decreased from 1 [0.2; 2.75] to 0.1 [0; 0.8] episodes per year (p = 0.002), adalimumab – from 1.75 [1; 4.5] to 0 [0; 0.07] (p = 0.04), etanercept – from 0.95 [0.5; 1.75] to 0 [0; 0.07] (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Administration of TNFα inhibitors significantly reduces the frequency of uveitis attacks in patients with AS.

The authors present the results of clinico-genetic investigations made in 124 patients with combined forms of seronegative spondylarthritis. The combined and isolated forms are compared clinically. HLA-typing results are analysed.

Background Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) is most common extraskeletal manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Course of uveitis not always correlate with spine and joint inflammation. Effect of biologics to uveitis is not studied enough. Objectives To assess significance of reducing of uveitis flares in AS pts using anti-TNF-therapy as compared with traditional anti-inflammatory therapy. Methods 48 pts with AS and recurrent uveitis, treated by anti-TNF drugs, were assessed at the Institute of Rheumathology RAMS. 25 used infliximab, 15 adalimumab, 9 etanercept. 7 pts used 2 and more drugs sequentially. Mean duration of TNF-therapy was 3,7 (3,5-5), [1;9] years. Mean duration of therapy from first attack of uveitis to start of anti-TNF therapy was 6,5 (5-9,7) [1;30] years: 18 pts used only NSAD and 30 – NSAD and DMARD, including sulfaslazine (23 pts), metotrexate(4 pts), cyclosporine (4 pts). Results The mean rate of uveitis attacks during traditional anti-inflammatory therapy was 2,2 per year, during anti-TNF therapy – 0,6 per year, p=0,0007. 19 of 42 pts (45%) had not episodes of uveitis during the course of anti-TNF therapy. For infliximab frequency of uveitis decreased from 1, 9 to 0,4 episodes per year (p=0,002), for adalimumab – from 3,25 to 0,7 (p=0,04), for etanercept – from 1,2 to 0,09 (p=0,001). Conclusions Anti-TNF therapy significantly reduces number of uveitis attacks in AS pts. References Disclosure of Interest None Declared

The paper describes the pathomorphological aspects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the value of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in its therapy. Clinical trials demonstrate the high efficacy of aceclofenac (aertal) in AS.

The paper describes current approaches to treating uveitis in rheumatic diseases and theoretical backgrounds for using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors. The data available in the literature suggest that anti-TNF-α therapy is highly effective in relieving and preventing uveitis attacks.

Objective: to study associations between the lesion of the heart and aorta and other clinical manifestations and the characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Subjects and methods. Three hundred and forty-four patients under 60 years of age with a valid diagnosis of AS without concomitant heart disease, followed up at the Research Institute of Rheumatology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, in 2005-2008, were examined. Of them, 64 (18.6%) patients had at least one attack of uveitis during the disease; 280 had never uveitis. During the disease, peripheral arthritis occurred in 160 (46.5%) patients; 184 (53.5%) had axial AS. All the patients underwent ECG; 101 had EchoCG (27 with uveitis and 74 without uveitis, 63 with arthritis and 38 without arthritis). Results. Forty-four patients were found to have cardiac conduction disturbances (atrioventricular or left bundle-branch block); of them 14 (31.8%) and 30 (68%) had uveitis and peripheral arthritis, respectively. Out of the 300 individuals without conduction disturbances, 50 (16.7%) and 130 (43%) had the above conditions (p = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively). Cardiac structural changes (aortic thickening/dilatation, subaortic bump, aortic and/or mitral leaflet thickening) were revealed in 45 patients; among them 21 (46.7%) and 34 (75%) had uveitis and arthritis, respectively; of the 56 patients without EchoCG changes, 6 (10.7%) and 29 (51%) had the above conditions (p = 0.0001 and 0.02, respectively). On the other hand, conduction disturbances were noted in 15 (23.4%) of the 64 patients with uveitis and in 29 (10.3%) of the 280 patients without this condition; p = 0.006; in 30 (19%) of the 160 patients with peripheral arthritis and in 14 (7.6%) of the 180 patients without arthritis; p = 0.003. Aortic and valvular changes were detected in 16 (59.2%) of the 27 patients with uveitis and in 28 (37.8%) of 74 without this condition; p = 0.04; in 36 (57%) patients with arthritis and in 9 (23%) of the 38 without arthritis; p = 0.018. There were no significant differences in the parameters of inflammatory activity between the groups. Conclusion. In patients with AS, cardiac lesion was significantly more frequently in the presence of uveitis and peripheral arthritis; uveitis and peripheral arthritis were significantly more common in patients with AS-induced cardiac changes.

Objective. To study heart damage in pts with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by ECG and echocardiography (EchoCG). Material and methods. 344 pts with definite AS not older than 60 years without comorbid cardiac diseases examined in the Institute of rheumatology during 2005-2008 were included. ECG with 12 leads was performed in all pts and transthoracic EchoCG – in 101 pts. Results. Rhythm and conductivity disturbances were revealed in 67 from 344 (19,5%) pts: atrioventricular (a/v) heart block was present in 20 (5,8%) pts (16 had 1, 2 – 2 and 3 – 3 stage of a/v heart block). 27 (7,8%) pts had intraventricular heart block. EchoCG signs of aortal valve changes were revealed in 45 from 101 (44,5%) pts: thickness or dilatation of aorta – in 36 (35,6%), aortal valve cusps thickness – in 32 (31,7%), mitral – in 15 (14,8%). Local thickness in the form of a comb beneath aortal valve on the back wall of aorta basis at the site of its junction with basis of mitral anterior cusp – “subaortic bump” was found in 10 (10%) pts. Frequency of a/v heart block among pts with changes of aorta and cardiac valves was significantly higher than in pts without such changes. On the other hand frequency of aorta and cardiac valves changes in pts with a/v heart block was significantly higher than in pts without a/v heart block (p=0,0027) what shows relationship between conductivity disturbances and aorta and cardiac valves damage in AS. Conclusion. Cardiac pathology in AS is characterized by frequent (44,5%) damage of aorta basis and aorta-mitral junction zone in combination with thickness of aortal and mitral valves and conductivity disturbances.