Axial spondyloarthritis

Axial spondyloarthritis (also often referred to as axSpA) is a chronic, autoinflammatory disease predominantly affecting the axial skeleton (sacroiliac joints and spine). The phrase itself is an umbrella term characterizing a diverse disease family united by shared clinical and genetic features, such as the involvement of the axial skeleton. The best-known member of the axial spondyloarthritis disease family is ankylosing spondylitis. The 2009 introduction of the expression axial spondyloarthritis made it possible to refer to (1) less severe forms of spondylitis, (2) the early phase of ankylosing spondylitis and (3) ankylosing spondylitis itself collectively. Along with peripheral spondyloarthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and enteropathic arthritis (or inflammatory bowel disease-associated spondyloarthritis), axial spondyloarthritis belongs to the spondyloarthritis disease family, also known as the spondyloarthritides or spondyloarthropathies. These arthritic conditions can sometimes overlap with one another. For example, psoriatic arthritis can cause both peripheral and axial symptoms. Likewise, reactive arthritis can transform into chronic axial spondyloarthritis. All are considered inflammatory rheumatic disorders because they involve immune system-mediated attacks on the joints, muscles, bones and organs. Axial spondyloarthritis can be differentiated from peripheral spondyloarthritis in terms of the areas of the body affected. The axial form of the disease primarily affects the spine, pelvis and thoracic cage, whereas the peripheral form mainly targets the arms and legs. Axial spondyloarthritis can be divided into two classes: Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA): This term encompasses both the early disease stage of ankylosing spondylitis, in which no radiographic changes are visible yet, as well as less severe forms of ankylosing spondylitis. Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis:Synonym for ankylosing spondylitis.