From the review's abstract: "The diagnostic delay in AS of several years is mainly attributable to the late appearance of definite sacroiliitis on radiographs. Efforts have been made in recent years to improve and standardize making an early diagnosis."

The review author's state that MRI may be increasingly helpful in earlier diagnosis, saying, "MRI can visualize sacroiliitis in patients with typical symptoms of AS, that is inflammatory back pain, but yet normal radiographs of the sacroiliac joints, and has evolved as the most important diagnostic imaging tool in early disease, also referred to as nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA)."

To read the review's abstract, click here.

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