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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved. In particular, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at significantly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
As ankylosing spondylitis worsens and the inflammation persists, new bone forms as part of the body's attempt to heal. Your vertebrae begin to grow together, forming vertical bony outgrowths (syndesmophytes) and becoming stiff and inflexible. Fusion can also stiffen your rib cage, restricting your lung capacity and function.
- Yu DT, Patient information: Ankylosing spondylitis, http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Mercier LR, Ankylosing spondylitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/109354214-4/0/1701/48.html?printing=true. Accessed Nov. 5, 2008.
- Ankylosing spondylitis. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=ankylosingspondylitis. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
- Taurog JD. The Spondyloarthritides: Anklyosing Spondylitis. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2862756&searchStr=ankylosing+spondylitis. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Song IH. Benefits and risks of ankylosing spondylitis treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2008;58(4):929-938.
- Yu DT. Treatment and prognosis of ankylosing spondylitis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
