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ankylosing spondylitis
a form of rheumatoid arthritis that affects the vertebral column, characterized by inflammation of the facet joints and inflammatory changes of the stabilizing ligaments of the vertebral column (enthesopathy). It affects males almost exclusively. There is stiffening of vertebral joints and ligaments, so that movement becomes increasingly
painful and difficult. When it runs its full course, it results in bony ankylosis of the vertebral joints, which may extend to the ribs and limit the flexibility of the rib cage, so that breathing is impaired.
Called also Marie-Strümpell disease or spondylitis and rheumatoid spondylitis.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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