Abstract:

Aim: The association between acute and structural lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) with clinical and laboratory features has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory features of patients diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with and without inflammation or structural lesions in SIJ MRI. Methods: Eighty four patients diagnosed with axSpA between June 2019 and June 2020 were retrospectively examined. Patients’ medical records, laboratory data and MRI findings were collected. Inflammation was measured by C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (Westergren method, 0-20 mm/h). Moreover, the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada MRI index was used to assess inflammation and structural changes of the SIJ. Results: ESR values were statistically significantly different in patients with SIJ backfill and ankylosis (p=0.013 and p=0.016, respectively) and symptom duration in patients with SIJ erosion and ankylosis (p=0.048 and p=0.049, respectively) compared to those without. Morning stiffness was the only IBP characteristic which had a significant correlation with the presence of SIJ ankylosis (p=0.048, r=-0.218). Conclusion: Clinical and laboratory characteristics in axSpA patients are associated with chronic structural lesions rather than inflammation signs in SIJ MRI.

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