Fat infiltration is moderately associated with disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional study: Lumbar paraspinal muscles in ankylosing spondylitis. Journal Abstract - Guideline Central

Fat infiltration is moderately associated with disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional study: Lumbar paraspinal muscles in ankylosing spondylitis.

Published: 2026 May 01

Authors

,

Abstract

To assess the association between lumbar paraspinal muscle (multifidus and erector spinae) and psoas muscle volume and fatty infiltration with clinical features in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study included 35 patients with AS and 25 healthy controls (HC). Pain, disease activity, and functional status were assessed using the visual analog scale, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare cross-sectional area and fat infiltration at the L5/S1 level of the paraspinal muscles (multifidus, erector spinae) and psoas major muscles between the AS and healthy groups. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 31.54 ± 11.0 in the AS group and 29.04 ± 7.2 in the HC group (P > .05). The mean duration of disease in the AS group was 3.81 ± 2.8 years. There were no significant differences in age, body weight, height, or body mass index between the AS and HC groups. There was a significant positive correlation between fatty infiltration and disease duration (R = 0.4, P = .023) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index scores (R = 0.3, P = .022). Increased fatty infiltration of lumbar paraspinal muscles is significantly associated with disease duration and functional disability in AS, indicating that muscle structural changes parallel clinical progression.

Keywords: ankylosing spondylitis, cross-sectional area, fatty infiltration, magnetic resonance imaging, paraspinal muscles

Source

Medicine

Publication Type

Journal Article

Language

English

PubMed ID

42065197

MeSH terms

You rely on Guideline Central for transparency

Guideline Central and select third party use “cookies” on this website to enhance the user experience.

This technology helps us gather statistical and analytical information to optimize the relevant content for you.

The user also has the option to opt-out which may have an effect on the browsing experience.