Cardiovascular manifestations in ankylosing spondylitis. Concerning 210 cases

BACKGROUND: To analyse and discuss cardiovascular manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis, evaluate the frequency and giving special attention to unusual forms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 cases with cardiovascular manifestations among 210 cases of ankylosing spondylitis seen over a 25 years period who met the Amor criteria. RESULTS: Cardiovascular complications were found in 21 patients (10%): 5 (2.40%) had aortic insufficiency, 2 (0.95%) had mitral insufficiency, 1 had mitral valve prolapse, 1 had pericarditis, 10 (4.7%) had atrioventricular block and 6 (2.8%) had bundle branch block. Takayasu's disease was diagnosed in one case. Cardiovascular involvement was common In patients longer disease duration. Peripheral arthritis was found in 33% and its prevalence did not differ in patients with or without cardiac involvement. CONCLUSION: Aortic insufficiency and conduction disturbances were the most common cause of cardiovascular involvement in ankylosing spondylitis. The funding of cardiovascular manifestations in 10% of our patients suggests that in this illness evidence of cardiac manifestations should be actively investigated in ankylosing spondylitis.