Abstract:
Introduction: Sacroiliitis is an inflammatory process which involves the sacroiliac joint, which
is one of the diagnostic criteria for seronegative spondyloarthropathies. The objective of this study was
to find correlations between New York radiographic criteria according to age and the concomitant
pathologies in severe cases.
Materials and methods: we used the medical records of 50 patients with different types of
seronegative spondyloarthropaties: 20 men and 30 women.
Discussion results: The radiological evaluation of sacroiliitis was made according to the New
York criteria which contain 5 degrees of evolution: 0 – normal; I – suspect, although unclear alterations;
II – minimal erosions and sclerosis, but without joint space alteration; III – erosions and sclerosis, with
widening or narrowing of the joint space; IV – ankylosis. In 50% of men ankylosing spondylitis was
present and 77% of women had psoriatic arthritis. Between the ages 20-29 more women were found
with IInd degree sacroiliac joint damage. In the 30-39 range there were also only women with IInd
degree damage. In the 40-49 range more men were found with IVth degree damage. In other age groups
no specific incidence was found. All sever degrees (III-IV) in men- 10 patients with ages between 40-
69, with ankylosing spondylitis were more likely to have concomitant pathologies like HVB,
autoimmune thyroiditis and arthrosis. In women, 3 patients between 50-69 years, radiological degrees
III-IV of sacroiliitis were associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis, HVB and arthrosis.
Thus, we see that in severe cases of sacroiliitis there is presence of HVB. The relation is
confirmed in some studies that demonstrate the role of HVB and HCV viruses in the etiology of
autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, immunosuppressive drugs are commonly used in the
management of rheumatic diseases and were shown to induce viral reactivation in HVB- and HCVpositive
patients.
Conclussion: Studies show that there are no significant radiological changes of the sacroiliac
joint in young adult pacients with seronegative spondyloartropathies. Severe sacroiliitis is more specific
for old and middle aged men, diagnosed with this condition. In cases of severe sacroileitis, HVB and
arthrosis have been detected as concomitant illnesses in both men and women.
Key words: seronegative spondyloarthropaties, radiologic criteria, sacroiliitis, HVB.
Description:
Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, The 6th International Medical Congress for Students and Young Doctors
