Bronchoalveolar lavage in ankylosing spondylitis
Article Abstract:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is the inflammation of one or more of the vertebrae, the bony segments making up the spine. This disease has been associated with lung complications, such as abnormal structural changes in the lung tissue, and impaired lung function. Bronchoalveolar lavage is the washing out of the fluids contained within the bronchi (airways) and alveoli (the gas-exchanging units of the lung), and has been used to evaluate lung complications associated with long-term inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, bronchoalveolar lavage has not been used as an investigative tool in AS. Hence, bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial biopsies were performed on 15 patients with AS, and on 17 subjects without inflammatory disease or chest infection. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids showed no differences between the two groups in total cell count; number of lymphocytes (immune cells); the ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cells, which are both types of lymphocytes; or in levels of the protein beta 2-microglobulin. The results indicate that bronchoalveolar lavage did not show evidence of alveolitis, the inflammation of the alveoli in AS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1990
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Cutaneous vasculitis and IgA glomerulonephritis in ankylosing spondylitis
Article Abstract:
Some patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis may develop immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, or kidney disease, and leucocytoclastic cutaneous vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis characterized by inflammation of the spine. A 50-year-old man with an 11-year history of back pain developed a rash on his forearms and legs. A skin biopsy revealed that he was suffering from leucocytoclastic cutaneous vasculitis. A kidney biopsy revealed he also was suffering from IgA nephropathy. The rash disappeared after treatment with piroxicam. A 45-year-old man suffering from ankylosing spondylitis suffered tissue necrosis, or death, on some of his fingers and toes and developed a rash on his legs. He was diagnosed with leucocytoclastic cutaneous vasculitis and IgA nephropathy. He was treated successfully with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1993
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