Acute uveitic glaucoma in ankylosing spondylitis

Figure 2; An anteroposterior view of the lumbosacral spine shows fusion of the spinal vertebrae, giving rise to a 'bamboo spine' appearance classically seen in ankylosing spondylitis. Acute anterior uveitis occurs in 25% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and can present as acute uveitic glaucoma attack. 1 Ankylosing spondylitis occurs in up to 46% of HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis. 2 Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as salazopyrine or methotrexate, would be considered in refractory uveitis or systemic signs of seronegative spondyloarthropathy. 3 Inadequate response to these agents may warrant the use of antitumour necrosis factor monoclonal antibodies therapy, such as infliximab. 4 Acknowledgement: The authors wish to acknowledge Associate Professor Dr Norlina Ramli for her valuable input in the management of this patient. Funding: The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.