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HomeMedia Centre6 Conditions That Mimic Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
6 Conditions That Mimic Ankylosing Spondylitis

6 Conditions That Mimic Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Compensation Claims for AS Misdiagnosis

Here are 6 conditions that mimic Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), although there are others which may be also be mistaken for AS.  It is a chronic inflammatory arthritis which primarily affects the spine and joints resulting in pain and stiffness. However, in extreme cases, it may even lead to fusion of the vertebrae.

Commonly known as AS, it is subtype of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Diagnosing AS may be difficult, as its symptoms overlap with other conditions. This may be due to many diseases presenting with back pain, stiffness, and systemic symptoms, often leading to misdiagnosis.

If you believe you have been misdiagnosed and are seeking to make a medical negligence claim, Jefferies Claims may be able to help you

Conditions Which May Be Mistaken For Ankylosing Spondylitis

Mechanical Back Pain

Mechanical back pain  caused by structural issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, may be confused for AS. Both conditions present with back pain, but key differences exist:

  • AS pain is inflammatory, often worse in the morning and improves with activity, whereas mechanical back pain worsens with activity and improves with rest.
  • AS patients may have systemic symptoms such as fatigue and inflammation markers in blood tests, while mechanical back pain does not have these signs.
  • MRI scans of AS patients reveal sacroiliitis, while mechanical back pain shows degenerative changes.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with symptoms such as widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points. It may be mistaken for with AS because of symptoms such as back pain and stiffness.

  • Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, while AS primarily affects the lower back and sacroiliac joints.
  • Patients with AS improve with physical activity, whereas fibromyalgia patients often experience worsened pain after exertion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Another autoimmune disorder, Rheumatoid Arthritis primarily affects the joints. Even though RA may involve the spine, its pattern differs from AS.

  • RA commonly affects the hands, wrists, and knees, while AS primarily involves the sacroiliac joints and spine.
  • AS causes sacroiliitis and bony growths in the spine, whereas RA leads to joint erosions and deformities.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, shares many similarities with AS.

  • PsA often presents with psoriasis, nail pitting, and dactylitis (sausage digits), while AS lacks these features.
  • PsA can involve the spine but typically in an asymmetric fashion, unlike AS, which shows a more symmetric pattern.

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis triggered by infections such as Chlamydia or gastrointestinal bacteria. It shares many features with AS.

  • Reactive arthritis typically follows an infection, whereas AS has no such trigger.
  • Both conditions affect the sacroiliac joints, but reactive arthritis more commonly involves peripheral joints and tends to be self-limiting.
  • Reactive arthritis often presents with conjunctivitis, urethritis, and oral ulcers, which are less common in AS.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells, can cause severe back pain and systemic symptoms, making it a potential AS mimic.

  • Myeloma causes lytic bone lesions, seen on imaging, while AS leads to bone formation and fusion.
  • Multiple myeloma is associated with elevated calcium levels, abnormal protein electrophoresis, and anaemia in blood tests, none of which are typical of AS.
  • AS pain improves with movement, whereas myeloma pain persists regardless of activity.

 

Establishing Medical Negligence

Misdiagnosis of AS occurs primarily due to the condition’s overlapping symptoms with other musculoskeletal disorders. This may result in patients experiencing lengthy delays in diagnosis, before receiving the correct diagnosis. This delay can lead to irreversible spinal damage and severe pain, making early detection and appropriate treatment crucial.

If you are considering a medical negligence claim with regard to a misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis, you must be able to show this caused harm and worsened your condition.

 

‘No Win, No Fee’ Claims

Jefferies Claims can advise you on a potential medical negligence claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and your information remains confidential.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation.