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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.

Aim to identify outdated terms and make changes to the terminology of spondyloarthritis.At the first stage of the work, the terms divided into two categories: "outdated" definitions and terms that need to be improved or unified.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 An open vote was conducted, when defining an "outdated" term with the unanimous decision of all group members, this term was not recommended for further clinical use.The work carried out allowed us to identify a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

Anterior uveitis (AU) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are associated with histocompatibility human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27. Previous genetic studies conducted in different populations have also demonstrated other genetic associations, including HLA, both general and individual ones for AU and AS. Objective: to investigate the association of HLA class I with AU depending on the presence or absence of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Patients and methods . The investigators used the data of HLA class I typing in the patients referred by ophthalmologists for examination to the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, as well as the previous databases of patients with AS. The investigation included retrospectively two groups of patients with AU: 1) 52 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SpA (AU + SpA); 2) 96 patients who had other types of AU (idiopathic AU (n=52), viral uveitis (n=29), multiple sclerosis (n=2) toxoplasmosis (n=2), sarcoidosis (n=1), tuberculosis (n=1), chlamydiasis (n=3), Behcet's disease (n=2), juvenile chronic arthritis (n=3), and Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis (n=1). A control group consisted of 150 healthy test donors. The distribution of HLA class I (A, B, and Cw) was analyzed when comparing the two groups of patients with AU and each control patient group. Results. HLA-B27 was detected in 96.1% of cases in the AU + SpA group, in 40.6% in the AU group, and in 7.3% in the controls. In HLA-27-positive patients, the risk (odds ratio (OR) for joint disease (AU + SpA) was 315.9 (95% confidence interval (CI), 61.9–2176.7); p

The paper gives the definition of remission in axial spondyloarthritides (axSpA), which has been developed by the Spondyloarthritis Study Group of Experts. The work used the Delphi technique. At stage 1, based on the analysis of the data available in the literature and on their own clinical experiences, the experts proposed some variants of the definition of remission and ways of its evaluation in patients with axSpA. At Stage 2, the definitions that had received at least 80% of the votes via anonymous voting were selected and adopted without further discussion. Those that had received an equal number of votes were reconsidered and additionally discussed; then there was repeat voting, by choosing the final definition. As a result of their discussion, the experts formulated the definitions of clinical laboratory and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remissions. They proposed the following remissions in axSpA: drug and drug-free, clinical laboratory, and MRI remissions, as well as a remission in the presence and absence of structural changes in the locomotor system, as evidenced by imaging techniques. Criteria for clinical laboratory remission and basic tools for its evaluation that can be used in real clinical practice and researches have been elaborated.

The paper gives recommendations for the drug therapy of axial spondyloarthritides, which have been developed by the Spondyloarthritis Study Group of Experts. The recommendations describe the patient management tactic in the most common clinical situations, which is aimed at maximizing the efficacy and safety of treatment.

Involvement of the aorta and heart valves in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a manifestation of the systemic inflammatory process. Data on the frequency, clinical significance, and evolution of these manifestations are controversial. Objective : to estimate the time course of echocardiographic (EchoCG) changes in the aorta and heart valves from the results of a prospective follow-up study of patients with AS. Subjects and methods. In 2008 to 2015, the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology followed up 45 patients (35 men and 10 women) with documented AS that was consistent with the modified New York criteria and the original EchoCG changes in the aorta and heart valves. All the patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and after 1–5 years. At baseline, there was aortic root dilatation (>37 mm) in 15 patients, thickening of the aortic walls and aortic valve (AV) cusps in 21 and 32 patients, respectively, as well as thickening of the mitral valve (MV) cusps in 15, and valve prostheses in 5 patients (2 had AV and MV prostheses). Aortic regurgitation (AR) was recorded in 19 patients (grades 1–2 AR in 15 patients and grades 3–4 in 4 patients); grades 1–2 mitral regurgitation (MR) was seen in 20 patients. Ten patients had subaortic pectinate thickening (SPT) in the aortomitral junction area. Of the 45 patients, 16 took biological agents (BA); 29 received traditional therapy, including 14 patients who used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 11 and 4 patients had sulfasalazine and methotrexate, respectively. Results and discussion. Repeated examinations revealed negative changes in 27 (60%) of the 45 patients. Progressive aortic dilatation (1 to 6 mm) was found in 12 (80%) of the 15 patients; dilatation appeared during follow-up in 2 patients. Fourteen patients were noted to have negative valve changes: the emergence of cusp thickening in the valves (that in AV and MV in 9 and 4 patients, respectively; both in 1 patient). Four patients underwent valve replacement: 3 and 1 patients underwent AV and MV replacements, respectively. Ten of the 19 patients were observed to have AR progression by 2 grades in 2 (10.5%) patients and by one grade in 8 (42.0%) patients. MR progression by one grade was noted in 6 (30.0%) of the 20 people. A negative correlation was found between BA therapy and aortic dilation progression (r = -0.329; p = 0.03). SPT appeared in 3 patients. Of the 10 patients who had a baseline SPT, its reduction (8 to 3.5 mm) was seen in one patient; complete regression was identified in two patients; all received BAs. Thus, pathological changes in the aorta and heart valves in AS are progressive in most patients. SPT may regress, which reflects apparently a reduction in the severity of active inflammation of the aortic root. Active anti-inflammatory treatment may play a protective role in the progression of aortic dilatation.

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.

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.

Relapsing uveitis is a serious problem for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Tumor necrosis factor- α inhibitors significantly reduce the frequency of uveitis attacks in AS patients, but they are not always available. In this connection, it is appropriate to evaluate the effect of traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs on the course of uveitis in AS. Objective: to compare the frequency of uveitis attacks in AS during combined therapy using sulfasalazine (SULF) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) versus monotherapy with NSAIDs. Subjects and methods. A total of 111 patients with significant AS who had at least one uveitis attack during the disease were examined. 49 subjects received combined therapy including SULF 2 grams daily and NSAIDs for at least 1 year. Six of the 49 patients were noted to have frequently relapsing uveitis (above 3 episodes yearly); 43 had no more than 3 ones per year. The remaining 62 patients took NSAIDs only throughout the follow-up period. Nine of them had an average of 3 uveitis attacks per year; 53 had no more than 3 ones per year. Out of the 49 patients receiving combined therapy with NSAIDs and SULF, 23 took NSAIDs only at least 1 year before SULF use; 10 of them were observed to have frequent relapses in that period and 13 had three or fewer episodes. Results and discussion. The entire group showed an average of 2.06±2.04 uveitis attacks per year during monotherapy with NSAIDs and 1.41±1.83 attacks yearly during combined therapy with NSAIDs and SULF (p = 0.08). Among the patients with less than 3 uveitis attacks per year, the mean number of episodes was significantly fewer during combined therapy than during NSAID monotherapy: 0.99±0.87 and 1.37±0.91, respectively (p = 0.04). Among those with frequently relapsing uveitis (more than 3 attacks per year), the mean number of episodes yearly was not significantly different during NSAID monotherapy and combined therapy: 5.7±2.5 and 5.5±2.7, respectively (p = 0.9). In a subgroup of patients receiving sequentially NSAID monotherapy and combined therapy with NSADs and SULF, 13 patients with three or fewer baseline attacks per year displayed a significant reduction in the frequency of episodes from 1.92±0.96 to 0.4±0.44 (p = 0.00003). During combined therapy versus monotherapy, 10 patients with frequently relapsing uveitis (over 3 episodes yearly) exhibited an insignificant reduction in the number of relapses from 5.9±3.02 to 5.33±1.1 (p = 0.6). Conclusion. Combined therapy with SULF and NSAIDs does not substantially affect the frequency of uveitis episodes in AS patients with frequently relapsing uveitis (above 3 attacks per year), but significantly reduces the number of episodes among patients with its mild course (less than 3 attacks yearly).

The paper gives the draft guidelines elaborated by the Expert Spondyloarthritis Diagnosis and Treatment Group by order of the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia. The guidelines include the essentials of how to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in axial spondyloarthrititides, including ankylosing spondylitis, contain instructions for how long they should be administered, and describe possible patient management tactics in the most common clinical situations and a preferential algorithm for evaluating the efficiency and safety of treatment.

The paper provides guidelines for the use of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ) inhibitors in the treatment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), including ankylosing spondylitis. It gives data on the efficacy of TNF- α inhibitors in patients with non-radiographic axSpA. By using international and Russian guidelines, the authors lay down indications for this therapy and criteria for evaluation of its efficiency and safety.

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 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.

Uveitis is a common extraskeletal manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) occurring in 20–40% of patients. Most authors underline a favorable prognosis for AS-associated uveitis. Objective: to study features of clinical picture and progression of AS-associated uveitis and to estimate the occurrence of its complications. Subjects and methods. Across-sectional study of 140 patients (98 males and 42 females) with AS, who had at least one uveitis attack over the period of disease and was followed up at V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology during 2008–2012. In addition to standard rheumatologic examination all patients were examined by ophthalmologist. Biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, computer-assisted perimetry, ultrasonography (B-scanning) of eyes and, if needed, fluorescein angiography and electrophysiological examination of retina were performed. Localization of uveitis, presence of complications affecting vision, total number of uveitis attacks by the moment of examination, mean number of uveitis attacks per year, correlation between the frequency of attacks and complications, presence of other extraskeletal manifestations and peripheral arthritis were assessed. The total number of uveitis attacks was defined from patients' interviews and respective medical documentation. Mean number of uveitis attacks was calculated as ratio of total number of uveitis attacks to the duration of disease for each patient. In the case of more than two attacks per year uveitis progression was considered refractory. Results. Mean duration of the disease was 17.7±11.03 years. In 19 patients (14%) AS manifested before and in 121 (86%) – after the age of 16 years. HLA-B27 was revealed in 135 (96%) patients, peripheral arthritis – in 43 (30%), whereas other extraskeletal manifestations – in 46 (32%). Early onset of uveitis in first 10 years of the disease was recorded in 81 (58%) patients, after10 years – in 21 (15%). Uveitis was the first clinical symptom of AS in 37 (26.4%) patients. 33 (24%) patients had more than 10 uveitis attacks during the disease, 17 (12%) – more than two attacks per year, whereas 18 (13%) had chronic uveitis. 118 (84%) had localized iridocyclitis, 12 (8%) – panuveitis, 2 (1%) – localized posterior uveitis. 122 (87%) patients had unilateral uveitis, 18 (13%) – bilateral, whereas 45 (36%) – alternating eye lesions (OD-OS). Uveitis complicated with vision impairment was observed in 41 (29%) patients: synechia in 26 (18%), vitreous degeneration – in 20 (14%), cataract – in 32 (23%), glaucoma – in 13 (9%), maculopathy – in 6 (4%), ribbon-like retinal degeneration – in 6 (4%), partial optic nerve atrophy – in 3 (2%). Authors revealed direct correlation between frequency of uveitis attacks and occurrence of synechia, cataract, glaucoma, vitreous degeneration. Conclusion. AS-associated uveitis is predominantly characterized by unilateral iridocyclitis (84%) and the onset in the first 10 years of disease (84.4%); 25% of cases were remarkable for frequent relapses: more than two attacks per year and more than 10 during the period of disease. One third of patients demonstrated vision impairments, and its progression correlated with the frequency of uveitis attacks.

The paper presents questionnaires and indices to determine the degree of activity and functional impairments in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and other spondyloarthritides. It describes procedures to determine spinal mobility and to calculate the extent and severity index of psoriasis.

Objective: to estimate the value of clinical parameters of uveitis for the diagnosis of spondyloarthritis (SA). Subjects and methods. One hundred and five uveitis patients referred by ophthalmologists to the Research Institute of Rheumatology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, in 2007–2009 were examined. X-ray study of the pelvis and lumbar spine, HLA-B27 test, and objective examination were performed in all the patients to detect inflammatory back pain, arthritis, and enthesitis. Results. The diagnosis of SA was verified in 60 patients: 24 had ankylosing spondylitis, 2 had reactive arthritis, and 38 had undifferentiat ed SA. The diagnosis of SA was discarded in 45 patients. Subsequent examination of these patients diagnosed BehНet's disease in 2 of them, sarcoidosis in 1, toxoplasmosis in 4, virus infection-associated uveitis in 8, Fuchs' syndrome in 1, and unspecified uveitis in 29. There was unilateral uveitis in 51 (85%) of the 60 patients with SP and in 26 (58%) of the 45 patients without SP (p = 0.0033); alternat ing eye lesion in 30 (50%) of the 60 patients with SP and in 4 (8.9%) of the 45 patients without SP (p = 0.00001); anterior uveitis in 57 (95%) of the 60 patients with SP and in 32 of the 45 patients without SP (p = 0.0017); posterior uveitis in 6 (10%) of the 60 patients with SP and in 20 (44%) of the 45 patients without SP (p = 0.0001); panuveitis in 2 (3.3%) of the 60 patients with SP and in 10 (22.2%) of the 45 patients without SP (p = 0.0039), acute recurrent uveitis in 15 (33.3%) of the 45 patients without SP and in 44 (73%) of the 60 patients with SP (p = 0.0001). The age at onset was less than 30 years in 38 patients with SP and in 19 patients without SP (p = 0.04). Conclusion. The estimation of the location and course of uveitis is important in diagnosing SP that is probable in patients with acute anteri or unilateral uveitis with alternating eye lesion, which occurred before the age of 30 years.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.