As a partner piece to our, "Review: The Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis" that appeared in this space on March 17, 2008, this week we bring you more information and links to resources regarding AS diagnosis, and the difficulties that sometimes arise.

The New York Times website has posted an article by Barron H. Lerner, MD, entitled, "When the Disease Eludes a Diagnosis". The article gives some insight from the doctor's perspective on how a general diagnosis of any condition is reached: Click here to read the article.

Kara Prescott, MD, and Joel D. Taurog, MD, had a piece entitled, "Ankylosing spondylitis: The difficulty and importance of early diagnosis -- Knowledge of early disease and a high index of suspicion are required" published in April, 2007 issue of the The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. The article abstract opens with, "The physical findings and radiological features of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often shown in textbooks typically are late disease manifestations." An excerpt of the article can be read by clicking here.

Michael Weisman, MD, who spoke at our Spondylitis Educational Seminar in Los Angeles on May 5, 2007, spoke at length regarding the difficulties and challenges of diagnosing AS. Here is an excerpt as it appeared in the Fall 2007 issue of Spondylitis Plus:

• Q: Why is there such a long delay between the onset of symptoms and the confirmed diagnosis of the disease?
  
  
• A: There are many reasons for this. First, the diagnosis is not easy to make early on in the disease and consequently, is often misclassified. Second, the disease presents in many different forms. For instance, sometimes a person will experience joint pain but no back pain. Then again, some people, in more rare situations, will have no pain at all, but rather x-ray evidence of sacroiliitis.
  
  One study, in conjunction with the SAA, is seeking to develop a screening tool to help with earlier diagnosis.
  
  

Dr. Weisman's talk from this seminar can no be purchased on CD by clicking here.

Continuing Medical Education courses (CMEs) are available to help educate physicians on AS including in the area of diagnoses and treatment. We currently offer a current CME on this website: Click here.

For more information regarding AS diagnosis and treatment, please visit the ankylosing spondylitis section: Click here - About Ankylosing Spondylitis

STAY INFORMED! Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information regarding AS and related diseases with our news magazine, Spondylitis Plus. Your subscription comes free with SAA membership, so click here to join today!