The heart, the lungs, and the eyes may also become affected. The disease most frequently begins between the ages of 20 and 40 but may begin before 10 years of age. It affects more males than females. Risk factors include a family history of ankylosing spondylitis and male gender. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people.
Prevention is unknown.
Awareness of risk factors may allow early detection and treatment. HLA-B27 antigen test is positive. X-ray shows characteristic findings. ESR may or may not be elevated. CBC may show mild anemia .