Sternoclavicular and costovertebral joints changes in ankylosing spondylitis: a computed tomography study

ABSTRACT

Computed tomography [CT] scan of the sternoclavicular and costovertebral joint has been performed for 22 patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Sixteen out of 22 patients [72.7%] had sternoclavicular joints abnormalities. Eighteen of 22 patients [81.8%] had abnormality changes in their costovertebral joints. The abnormalities changes of the sternoclavicular and the costovertebral joints of the patients with ankylosing spondylitis included Erosions in both opposing surface of sternoclavicular joints and from the anterior vertebral side of costovertebral joints. Joint space widening and bony proliferation, bony bridges, sclerosis and ankylosis. These changes provide an anatomical basis for the understanding of some of the thoracic symptoms frequently reported by the patients with ankylosing spondylitis. CT has yielded diagnostic accuracy and remains an excellent investigative tool for musculoskeletal disorders