The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is not always an easy process. Since there is no single blood test for AS, and the fact that the hallmark of the disease - the involvement of the sacroiliac (SI) joints - can take as much as 7-10 years to be pronounced enough to show up on an x-ray, a definitive diagnosis can be delayed for some time. For more information regarding AS diagnosis, click here.

Anecdotally, we have heard multiple stories from people and on our message boards regarding substantial delays in diagnosis. A recent thread provides varying accounts of being diagnosed, from long delays to being diagnosed rather quickly: click here.

Rheumatology News has posted an article online regarding imaging guidelines for AS and AS diagnosis. In the article, Dr. Stephan Pavy of Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, states, "Imaging is crucial because no specific laboratory markers for AS have been identified to date." The article can be read by clicking here.

Finding ways to reduce or eliminate delays in diagnosis is one of our priorities here at SAA. For example this year SAA will promote the first validated pre-diagnostic screening tool to help back pain sufferers assess their likelihood of having the disease. It is hoped that this online tool will help narrow delays in diagnosis.

In addition, the TASC study, a study that SAA is involved with, has found two more genes that are now implicated in AS - ARTS1 and IL23R. One of the possible results of this discovery is that it may lead to an additional test to help in diagnosis. For more information on the TASC discovery, click here.

That said, it is important to note that diagnosing AS early is critical in order to help prevent permanent damage by beginning treatment as soon as possible.

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