Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disorder that predominantly affects the axial skeleton (sacroiliac joints and/or spine). AxSpA can be divided into two subsets: nonradiographic and radiographic. Inflammatory back pain is a key symptom of both. Patients with nonradiographic axSpA have chronic back pain and exhibit clinical symptoms of SpA, but sacroiliitis does not show up in their conventional radiographs. axSpA is classified as radiographic if sacroiliac joint damage is detectable by conventional radiographs. Radiographic axSpA is the newer term for the condition formerly known as ankylosing spondylitis. Accurately diagnosing the nonradiographic form of axSpA, in particular, can present a challenge given the lack of evidence of disease on radiographs and the wide range of possible explanations for back pain.
How much do you know about the presentation and diagnosis of nonradiographic axSpA? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: Abhishek Nandan. Fast Five Quiz: Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Presentation and Diagnosis - Medscape - Jun 20, 2023.
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