Differential Diagnosis for Syndesmophytes
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): This is the most common cause of syndesmophytes, which are a type of bony growth that can occur in the spine. AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and spine, leading to the formation of syndesmophytes.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): This condition can also cause syndesmophytes, although they are less common than in AS. PsA is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, and it can cause inflammation and damage to the joints and spine.
- Reactive Arthritis: This condition can cause syndesmophytes, especially in the lower back. Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in response to an infection, often in the gastrointestinal tract or the urinary tract.
- Spondyloarthritis: This is a group of conditions that includes AS, PsA, and reactive arthritis, among others. Spondyloarthritis can cause syndesmophytes, as well as other types of spinal abnormalities.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH): This condition can cause syndesmophytes, as well as other types of bony growths. DISH is a condition that affects the spine and other joints, and it can cause significant disability if left untreated.
- Osteophytosis: This condition can cause bony growths that resemble syndesmophytes. Osteophytosis is a condition that affects the spine and other joints, and it can cause pain and stiffness.
- Rare diagnoses
- Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia: This is a rare genetic condition that can cause syndesmophytes, as well as other types of spinal abnormalities. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia is a condition that affects the development of the spine and other joints.
- Hyperparathyroidism: This condition can cause an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, which can lead to the formation of syndesmophytes. Hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including bone pain and weakness.