ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS WITH CHILDHOOD ONSET

Seven male patients with childhood-onset ankylosing spondylitis are described. Ankylosingspondylitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of childhood arthritis, especially if the patient is a male with onset of disease in late childhood, if there are any symptoms referable to the sacroiliac joints or lumbodorsal spine, or if there is transient peripheral arthritis affecting only a few joints. Initial symptoms are characteristically fleeting and recurrent. Early diagnosis and therapy are important for preservation of adequate function. The frequency of hip disease may be greater in individuals with early onset of disease. © 1969 The C. V. Mosby Company.