Bechterews disease also known as
**Bechterew's Disease** is a rare inflammatory disorder affecting the joints, spine, and blood vessels. It is also known as Ankylosing Spondylitis, which primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Bechterew's Disease is a part of the **HLA-B27 associated inflammatory arthropathy** group, which is associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27.
**Core Concept:** Bechterew's Disease is a subtype of Spondyloarthritis, characterized by chronic inflammation that primarily involves the spine and sacroiliac joints. This disease is associated with the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Bechterew's Disease is named after its discoverer, Dr. Gunder Bechterew, and is also known as Ankylosing Spondylitis due to its characteristic involvement of the spine. The term "HLA-B27 associated inflammatory arthropathy" highlights the correlation between the disease and the HLA-B27 antigen, which is found in approximately 85-90% of patients with Bechterew's Disease.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. This option does not accurately describe the clinical manifestations of Bechterew's Disease.
B. This option is too broad and does not specifically mention the disease's association with HLA-B27.
C. This option is too specific and does not encompass the broader concept of HLA-B27 associated inflammatory arthropathy.
D. This option is also too specific and does not emphasize the association with HLA-B27 antigen.
**Clinical Pearl:** Bechterew's Disease is a crucial concept for postgraduate medical students as it demonstrates the interplay between genetics, immunity, and joint inflammation. Knowledge of this disease helps in understanding the pathogenesis of other inflammatory arthropathies as well.