37. Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis, otherwise known as rhizomelic spondylosis or rheumatoid spondylitis, is a disease of unknown origin, although recent work has determined a genetic factor: the leucocyte group W27 is found in many patients. According to Bontoux (1967) it can occur simultaneously with or after an attack of psoriasis, Reiter’s syndrome (1916) or Crohn’s disease. It was first described by Connos in the seventeenth century and was more precisely defined by Strumple, von Bechterew and Marie.