MRI Changes of the Symphysis Pubis in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis and Association With Clinical Factors

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of the symphysis pubis in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) and to assess its association with clinical factors.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 172 patients with ax-SpA was performed to assess the presence of active inflammatory and structural changes of the symphysis pubis on MRI scans, and their association with clinical factors and the SPARCC (Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada) scoring of the sacroiliac joint were evaluated.

Results: The proportions of active inflammation and structural changes of the symphysis pubis were 69/172 (40.1%) and 54/172 (31.4%), respectively. When comparing the active inflammation and no-active inflammation symphysis pubis groups, the former had higher level C-reactive protein, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and younger median age of patients. Moreover, no significant correlation was noted between the active inflammation of the symphysis pubis and SPARCC score of the sacroiliac joint. When comparing the normal and abnormal symphysis pubis groups, the latter had longer symptom duration.

Conclusions: The MRI changes of the symphysis pubis were seen in 55.2% of the patients with ax-SpA and were associated with C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and symptom duration.