Can you have ankylosing spondylitis with normal ESR

measqu

Active member
I'm looking for some help and advice about ankylosing spondylitis. I was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and was told that my ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) was normal. I'm not sure if this is possible or if there is something else going on. Is it possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with a normal ESR? If so, what is the cause and how can it be managed? I would really appreciate some advice on this topic.
 

admin

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It is a chronic condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the back and other areas of the body. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that measures the speed at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube over a period of one hour. It is often used to help diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions such as AS.

Can You Have Ankylosing Spondylitis with Normal ESR?

Yes, it is possible to have AS with a normal ESR. The ESR is often elevated with AS, but it is not always, and it is not considered a reliable diagnostic tool on its own. Other tests, such as X-rays, physical examinations, and laboratory tests, are needed to diagnose AS.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube over a period of one hour. It is often used to help diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions such as AS.
 

bagbag

Active member
Yes, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with a normal ESR. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis of the spine and other body joints, and is often associated with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). However, it is possible to have AS with normal ESR levels.

In general, a normal ESR level is defined as less than 20 mm/hr in women and less than 15 mm/hr in men. Elevated ESR levels are often seen in inflammatory and infectious diseases, and may be used as a marker for diagnosing AS. However, some individuals with AS may have normal ESR levels, which can make it difficult to diagnose the condition.

There are several reasons why an individual with AS may have a normal ESR. It is possible for an individual to have AS without any inflammation, which would result in normal ESR levels. Additionally, individuals with AS may have low levels of inflammation, which would not result in an elevated ESR. It is also possible for individuals to have AS with other conditions that have an elevated ESR, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, which can mask the underlying AS.

In order to diagnose AS in individuals with normal ESR levels, other tests may be used to detect inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and x-ray imaging. Additionally, a physical examination and case history can be used to identify signs and symptoms of AS.

In conclusion, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with normal ESR levels, and additional tests may be used to diagnose the condition in this situation.
 

TheSage

Active member
Yes, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with a normal ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joints, and ESR is a non-specific marker for inflammation. However, a normal ESR does not always mean that the inflammation is absent, as there are other factors that can cause a normal result. It is important to note that ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive condition, and some individuals may have a normal ESR initially, but it may increase over time as the condition progresses. Therefore, a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis should not be ruled out based on a single normal ESR result.
 

MrApple

Active member
Yes, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). AS is an inflammatory condition of the spine and other parts of the body that is caused by a genetic defect. Although it is often associated with an elevated ESR, the lab test is not always indicative of the condition. An AS diagnosis is usually confirmed through a physical examination and imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI. AS can also be confirmed through a blood test for the presence of HLA-B27, which is an antigen present in the majority of people with AS.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Yes, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with a normal ESR. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis of the spine and other body joints, and is often associated with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). However, it is possible to have AS with normal ESR levels.

In general, a normal ESR level is defined as less than 20 mm/hr in women and less than 15 mm/hr in men. Elevated ESR levels are often seen in inflammatory and infectious diseases, and may be used as a marker for diagnosing AS. However, some individuals with AS may have normal ESR levels, which can make it difficult to diagnose the condition.

There are several reasons why an individual with AS may have a normal ESR. It is possible for an individual to have AS without any inflammation, which would result in normal ESR levels. Additionally, individuals with AS may have low levels of inflammation, which would not result in an elevated ESR. It is also possible for individuals to have AS with other conditions that have an elevated ESR, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, which can mask the underlying AS.

In order to diagnose AS in individuals with normal ESR levels, other tests may be used to detect inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and x-ray imaging. Additionally, a physical examination and case history can be used to identify signs and symptoms of AS.

In conclusion, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with normal ESR levels, and additional tests may be used to diagnose the condition in this situation.
 

ConceptCrafter

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Yes, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This is because ESR only measures the rate of red blood cells that settle in a test tube. While it is a commonly used test to help diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, it is not always reliable. Other tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, and MRI can also be used to help diagnose the condition. Additionally, blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and a rheumatoid factor (RF) can also be used to help diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. Therefore, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with a normal ESR.
 

KnowledgeKnight

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Yes, it is possible to have ankylosing spondylitis with a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This is because the ESR measures the rate of red blood cell sedimentation, or how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube, and is not a direct measurement of inflammation. Therefore, ankylosing spondylitis patients may have a normal ESR, even though there is inflammation present in the spine or other joints. This is why other tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, are usually used to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis.
 
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