Seronegative Spondylarthropathies

Reactive arthritis is a seronegative autoimmune spondyloarthropathy that occurs in response to a previous gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) infection. The pathophysiology of this disease is unclear, but a significant proportion of affected patients are positive for HLA-B27. The disease manifests as asymmetric oligoarthritis (particularly of large joints in the lower extremities), enthesopathy, dactylitis, and/or sacroiliitis. Ocular, mucocutaneous, GI, GU, and cardiac manifestations may also occur. The diagnosis is clinical, and efforts should be made to rule out alternative diagnoses. Management focuses on controlling symptoms, typically with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. An active infection, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis, should also be treated.

Psoriasis is a common T-cell–mediated inflammatory skin condition. The etiology is unknown, but is thought to be due to genetic inheritance and environmental triggers. There are 4 major subtypes, with the most common form being chronic plaque psoriasis. Plaques are well-circumscribed and salmon-colored, with silvery scales. Plaques commonly appear on the scalp and extensor surfaces of the extremities. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment options are determined by the percentage of body surface area affected and include topical corticosteroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and phototherapy.

Ankylosing spondylitis (also known as Bechterew’s disease or Marie-Strümpell disease) is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy characterized by chronic and indolent inflammation of the axial skeleton. Severe disease can lead to fusion and rigidity of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is most often seen in young men and is strongly associated with HLA-B27. Patients will have progressive back pain (which improves with activity), morning stiffness, and decreased range of motion of the spine. Extra-articular manifestations include fatigue, enthesitis, anterior uveitis, restrictive lung disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history, physical exam, and imaging demonstrating sacroiliitis and bridging syndesmophytes. Most patients are managed with physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More severe cases may require tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors or surgery.

Psoriasis is a common T-cell–mediated inflammatory skin condition. The etiology is unknown, but is thought to be due to genetic inheritance and environmental triggers. There are 4 major subtypes, with the most common form being chronic plaque psoriasis. Plaques are well-circumscribed and salmon-colored, with silvery scales. Plaques commonly appear on the scalp and extensor surfaces of the extremities. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment options are determined by the percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected and include topical corticosteroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and phototherapy.

Reactive arthritis is a seronegative autoimmune spondyloarthropathy that occurs in response to a previous gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) infection. The pathophysiology of this disease is unclear, but a significant proportion of affected patients are positive for HLA-B27. The disease manifests as asymmetric oligoarthritis (particularly of large joints in the lower extremities), enthesopathy, dactylitis, and/or sacroiliitis. Ocular, mucocutaneous, GI, GU, and cardiac manifestations may also occur. The diagnosis is clinical, and efforts should be made to rule out alternative diagnoses. Management focuses on controlling symptoms, typically with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. An active infection should also be treated, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (also known as Bechterew’s disease or Marie-Strümpell disease) is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy characterized by chronic and indolent inflammation of the axial skeleton. Severe disease can lead to fusion and rigidity of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is most often seen in young men and is strongly associated with HLA-B27. Patients will have progressive back pain (which improves with activity), morning stiffness, and decreased range of motion of the spine. Extra-articular manifestations include fatigue, enthesitis, anterior uveitis, restrictive lung disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history, physical exam, and imaging demonstrating sacroiliitis and bridging syndesmophytes. Most patients are managed with physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More severe cases may require tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors or surgery.