Michael M Ward1, Sovira Tan2. 1. Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10 CRC, Room 4-1339, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA. wardm1@mail.nih.gov. 2. Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10 CRC, Room 4-1339, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review new insights to syndesmophyte growth in axial spondyloarthritis revealed by computed tomography (CT). RECENT FINDINGS: CT allows full reliable quantitation of syndesmophytes. About 70% of patients had detectable growth in syndesmophyte volume or height in 1 year. Syndesmophyte growth is not uniform, but can be highly heterogeneous even within the same disc space of the same patient. Syndesmophytes are not randomly distributed around the vertebral rim but have preferred locations (posterolateral and anterolateral) which vary along the spine. The frequency of syndesmophyte involvement also varies along the spine. It is highest at the thoracolumbar junction and higher in the thoracic than lumbar spine. CT syndesmophyte quantitation is a promising tool for studies of medications or biomarkers and their relations with syndesmophyte progression. The localization and growth patterns of syndesmophytes suggest importance for local factors such as mechanical stress.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review new insights to syndesmophyte growth in axial spondyloarthritis revealed by computed tomography (CT). RECENT FINDINGS: CT allows full reliable quantitation of syndesmophytes. About 70% of patients had detectable growth in syndesmophyte volume or height in 1 year. Syndesmophyte growth is not uniform, but can be highly heterogeneous even within the same disc space of the same patient. Syndesmophytes are not randomly distributed around the vertebral rim but have preferred locations (posterolateral and anterolateral) which vary along the spine. The frequency of syndesmophyte involvement also varies along the spine. It is highest at the thoracolumbar junction and higher in the thoracic than lumbar spine. CT syndesmophyte quantitation is a promising tool for studies of medications or biomarkers and their relations with syndesmophyte progression. The localization and growth patterns of syndesmophytes suggest importance for local factors such as mechanical stress.
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