HLA-B27 Associated Arthropathies

Abstract
The association between human histo-compatibility antigen [HLA-B27] and spondylitic disorders, i.e., ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter''s arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing hyperostosis was reviewed. The study determined whether the presence of HLA-B27 predicted specific radiographic findings and whether specific radiographic changes predicted antigenic status. The prevalences of the HLA-B27 antigen in the patients were: ankylosing spondylitis, 100%; Reiter''s arthritis, 93%; psoriatic arthritis, 55%; and ankylosing hyperostosis, 12%. The only specific radiographic finding associated with B27 positivity was severe spondylitis in psoriasis.