Cubital tunnel syndrome secondary to gouty tophi: A case report.

Gout is a chronic rheumatic disease resulting from accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in tissues. The most important risk factor for the disease is hyperuricaemia. Precipitation of uric acid in the joint in the form of monosodium urate crystals is the main factor responsible for triggering attacks of arthritis. Tophi occur as a result of urate crystals that precipitate into joints and surrounding tissues. Tophi can erode the bone where they are located and cause compression in soft tissue due to a mass effect. The following case report describes a case of cubital tunnel syndrome developed in association with tophaceous compression and resolved with surgical decompression in a patient with chronic gouty arthritis.

Association between mean platelet volume and disease severity in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an important marker that shows the activation and function of the platelets, which is effective in the inflammatory diseases. AIM: To show the relationship between MPV and the development of psoriatic arthritis (PA) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and the correlation between MPV and psoriasis severity score (PASI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included 116 patients with psoriatic arthritis (68 female, 48 male) and 41 patients in the psoriasis group (19 female, 22 male) and 90 subjects in the control group (55 female, 35 male). The demographic data of the patients, duration of disease, PASI, the nature of the disease were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume levels of both the PV group (8.79 ±0.86 fl) and the PA group (9.18 ±1.26 fl) were significantly higher compared to the control group (8.42 ±0.74 fl). There was a weak statistically positive correlation between the PASI and the MPV according to the correlation analysis (r = 0.165; p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that MPV may be helpful as an indicator of the clinical course of PV and PA. In this regard, that study should be supported by prospective studies to find strong correlations.

Increased Levels of Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate oxidant/antioxidant status by determining serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels with oxidative/antioxidant parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to the controls. METHODS: The serum concentrations of IMA, IMA/albumin ratio (IMAR), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in 40 AS patients and 35 healthy controls. RESULTS: Mean serum IMA, IMAR, MDA, TOS, and OSI levels were increased in patients with AS when compared to the control group (p < 0.05 for all). Serum levels of SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the patient group than in the healthy subjects (p < 0.001 for both). Serum TAC levels were decreased in patients with AS compared to the controls but the statistical difference was not significant. Serum IMA levels were found to be positively correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.356, r = 0.370, r = 0.412, r = 0.353, respectively, and p < 0.05 for all). IMAR values showed significant correlations with BASFI, BASMI, and ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.351, p = 0.026; r = 0.400, p = 0.010; and r = 0.379, p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Depletion in antioxidant systems and overproduction of free radicals leading to formation of the oxidative stress may play a role in the development of AS. Increased levels of IMA might provide important contributions to the underlying oxidative stress in AS.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Is Increased in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have high cardiovascular morbidity, and, in general, epicardial adipose tissue thickness is related to atherosclerotic vascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and carotid intima-media thickness as markers of early atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. METHODS: The study comprised 47 patients with IBD (25 with Crohn disease and 22 with ulcerative colitis) and 35 control participants. In all individuals, epicardial adipose tissue and carotid intima-media thickness values were measured by sonography. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD of the 47 patients with IBD was 42.3 ± 11.2 years, versus 41.4 ± 10.1 years for the control group. The epicardial adipose tissue thickness was higher in both the Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis groups compared to the control group (P < .001), but not the carotid intima-media thickness (P = .695 and .917, respectively). There was a strong positive correlation between the carotid intima-media and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values in the Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis groups (r = 0.757; 95% confidence interval, 0.711-0.901; r = 0.786; 95% confidence interval, 0.364-0.615; both P < .001). However, there was no significant difference between the patients who were in the active and inactive disease periods in both groups in terms of carotid intima-media and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that epicardial adipose tissue thickness might be a marker for detection of early atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. There was a strong positive correlation between carotid intima-media thickness and epicardial adipose tissue thickness values in the patients with IBD. However, there was no correlation between IBD activity and carotid intima-media or epicardial adipose tissue thickness.

Cervical Spondylitis and Epidural Abscess Caused by Brucellosis: a Case Report and Literature Review.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease widely seen in endemic regions and that can lead to systemic involvement. The musculoskeletal system is frequently affected, and the disease can exhibit clinical involvements such as arthritis, spondylitis, spondylodiscitis, osteomyelitis, tenosynovitis and bursitis. Spondylitis and spondylodiscitis, common complications of brucellosis, predominantly affect the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae. Epidural abscess may occur as a rare complication of spondylitis. Spinal brucellosis and development of epidural abscess in the cervical region are rare. Development of epidural abscess affects the duration and success of treatment. Spinal brucellosis should be considered in patients presenting with fever and lower back-neck pain in endemic regions, and treatment must be initiated with early diagnosis in order to prevent potential complications.

Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Connected to Treatment Options and Inflammation Markers of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, white blood cells (WBCs) and their subtypes have been studied in relation to inflammation. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled a total of 177 patients, 96 AS and 81 healthy controls. Complete blood count, WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte levels were measured, and the NLR was calculated. In the assessment of AS, we used the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index. RESULTS: In the present study, 96 AS and 81 healthy individuals were enrolled. The mean age was 43.8 ± 12.9 and 46.5 ± 11.2 years, respectively. Mean disease duration of AS patients was 6.9 ± 5.6 years (median = 5, min-max = 1-25). The patients with AS had a higher NLR than the control individuals (mean NLR, 2.24 ± 1.23 and 1.73 ± 0.70, respectively, P < 0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between NLR and CRP (r = 0.322, P = 0.01). The patients receiving antitumor necrosis factor α therapy had a lower NLR than the patients receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy (mean NLR, 1.71 ± 0.62 and 2.41 ± 1.33, respectively, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: NLR may be seen as a useful marker for demonstrating inflammation together with acute phase reactants such as CRP and in evaluating the effectiveness of anti-TNF-α therapy.

Association between mean platelet volume and bone mineral density in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

[Purpose] The aim this study was to assess the relation between bone mineral density (BMD) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, and evaluate the diagnostic role of the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [Subjects and Methods] Fifty patients diagnosed with AS were divided into two groups on the basis of BMD, a normal group (n=30) and an osteopenic (n=20) group. [Results] Duration of disease in the group with a normal BMD was 10.3±7.0 years, while it was 16.7±12.2 years in the osteopenia group. MPV was high in the osteopenia group, while no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and platelet distribution width (PDW). There was a positive correlation between MPV and duration of disease. Correlations between ADC value and the lumbar T score, femoral neck T score, and duration of disease were insignificant. A negative correlation was observed between BMD and disease duration. [Conclusion] Diffusion-weighted imaging provides valuable results in osteoporosis but is not a suitable technique for evaluating BMD in patients with AS because of the local and systemic inflammatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. The common pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis plays an important role in the negative correlation observed between MPV and BMD in patients with AS.

Lead exposure is a risk for worsening bone mineral density in middle-aged male workers.

OBJECTIVE: Lead exposure linked to osteoporosis in women. However, there is no direct evidence whether lead exposure has effects on bone metabolism in middle-aged male subjects. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between bone mineral densitometry measurements, bone markers, endocrine hormones and blood lead levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study included lead exposure patients (n: 30) and control subjects (n: 32). We recorded information on patient demographics and risk factors of osteoporosis. Blood lead levels were evaluated using Varian AA 240Z atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bone mineral density measurements were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Each lumbar T and Z scores in the lead exposure group were lower than the control group. There were no significant differences in femur neck and femur total T and Z scores between two groups. Blood lead levels were also negatively correlated with lumbar 2-4 T score, total lumbar T score, lumbar 2-4 Z score and total lumbar Z score. Urinary hydroxyproline and urinary deoxypyridinoline levels in the lead exposure group were significantly higher compared to controls. Blood lead levels were strong, positively correlated with urinary deoxypyridinoline. Endocrine hormone levels and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 levels were comparable between lead exposure and control group. CONCLUSION: Lead exposure in male workers is an important factor for deterioration in bone mineral density. We should be screening blood lead levels and history of lead exposure in male osteoporosis.

Arsenic exposure associated with decreased bone mineralization in male.

OBJECTIVE: Arsenic (As) exposure may cause several medical problems. There were a few studies investigated whether it has affected bone tissue in women. However, there was no study in men. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between bone mineral density (BMD) and As exposure in men subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled in this study 254 subjects who due to chronic As exposure suspected and 82 subjects as a control group. Hair As levels were detected by a hair analysis (Varian AA240Z Zeeman Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, USA). BMD measurements were obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry instrumentation. We investigated associations between the hair As levels and BMD measurements. RESULTS: The frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia was found to be 0.8% and 54.5%, respectively, in the As exposure group. The frequency of osteoporosis was found to be 1% and osteopenia was 32.4% in control subjects. There was significant difference between two groups (p < 0.001). Hair As level has a median 1.01 (min: 0.06 and max: 25.71). There were no significant correlation between hair As levels and BMD measurements. CONCLUSION: According to our observations, As exposure was associated with bone metabolism. Possible cause of osteopenia may be exposure to As. Further investigations are needed to estimate the relationship between As and bone metabolism.

Effect of surgical closing in total knee arthroplasty at flexion or extension: a prospective, randomized study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of knee position during wound closure (flexed vs. extended) in total knee arthroplasty on knee strength and function, as determined by knee society scores and isokinetic testing of extensor and flexor muscle groups. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, 29 patients were divided in two groups: for Group 1 patients, surgical closing was performed with the knee extended, and for Group 2 patients, the knee flexed at 90°. All the patients were treated with the same anaesthesia method, surgical team, surgical technique, prosthesis type, and rehabilitation process. American Knee Society Score values and knee flexion degrees were recorded. Isokinetic muscle strength measurements of both knees in flexion and extension were taken using 60° and 180°/s angular velocity. The peak torque and total work values, isokinetic muscle strength differences, and total work difference values were calculated for surgically repaired and healthy knees. RESULTS: No significant difference in the mean American Knee Society Score values and knee flexion degrees was observed between the two groups. However, using isokinetic evaluation, a significant difference was found in the isokinetic muscle strength differences and total work difference of the flexor muscle between the two groups when patients were tested at 180°/s. Less loss of strength was detected in the isokinetic muscle strength differences of the flexor muscle in Group 2 (-4.2%) than in Group 1 (-23.1%). CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, post-operative flexor muscle strength is improved if the knee is flexed during wound closure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

How does metabolic syndrome affect the functional ambulation in stroke patients?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for stroke. However, the role of MetS in stroke rehabilitation has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MetS on rehabilitation from stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 337 consecutive patients with subacute stroke and 220 age-matched healthy controls were studied. The diagnosis of MetS was based on the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Ambulation levels were evaluated using the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) measure. The correlation between MetS and FAC was investigated. The regression analysis included presence of hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting glucose, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, abdominal obesity, MetS, and age ≯65 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in the control group and the ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke groups was 33.2% (n = 73), 59.8% (n = 156), and 68.4% (n = 52), respectively. MetS prevalence was significantly higher in stroke groups compared with the control group (P < .001). FAC and MetS were significantly and negatively correlated in the stroke groups (P < .001, rho = -0.387, for hemorrhagic stroke;P < .001, rho = -0.379, for ischemic stroke). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that diastolic tension, MetS presence, and age were found to be independent risk factors for FAC in ischemic stroke groups. CONCLUSIONS: MetS is associated with worse functional ambulation for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Aggressive rehabilitation can be advocated in the presence of MetS in ischemic stroke patients.

Assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis with ankle-brachial index in psoriatic arthritis: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis using the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control study included 51 PsA patients (24 males, 27 females; median age 47; range, 41 to 52 years) recruited at our hospital's outpatient clinics between October 2016 and January 2017 and 50 healthy controls (24 males, 26 females; median age: 48.5; range, 40.7 to 56 years). Anthropomorphic measurements and laboratory results were recorded. In patients, the 66 swollen/68 tender joints count, dactylitis score, Leeds Enthesitis Index, Health-related Quality of Life, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and Dermatology Life Quality Index were evaluated. Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index were applied to patients with axial disease. Then, Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index was determined. A Doppler probe and a standard blood pressure cuff were used to calculate the ABI values for each participant. RESULTS: Patients had lower right ABI (median, 1.05 vs. 1.1, p<0.01), lower left ABI (1.04 vs. 1.09, p<0.01) and lower overall ABI (1.03 vs. 1.09, p<0.01) compared with healthy subjects. Twelve (23.5%) patients had borderline ABI, but none of the controls (p<0.01). Patients with borderline ABI had a longer duration of psoriasis (25 vs. 15 years, p=0.03). The distribution of borderline ABI value was statistically significant between patients with axial disease and peripheral disease only (42.1% vs. 12.5%, p=0.02). Disease activity was found as an independent risk factor for borderline ABI in a binary logistic regression (odds ratio 6.306, 95% confidence interval 1.185 to 33.561, p=0.031). CONCLUSION: Lower ABI was found in PsA patients than healthy controls even in those matched with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. All participants with borderline ABI were in the patient group. Borderline ABI was associated with disease activity and disease duration.

A rarely seen syndrome in rehabilitation of hemiplegia: antiphospholipid antibody-negative Sneddon's syndrome.

Sneddon's syndrome is a rarely seen disorder and it is characterized by livedo reticularis (LR) and neurologic findings. Some systematic findings may also be seen with neurologic and cutaneous findings. In this case, we aimed to present a 28-year-old female patient with diffuse LR, cardiac valve disease and migraine-type headache who had a right hemiplegic attack.

Effect of Systemically Used Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Medication on the Corneal Epithelium and Stroma of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of systemically used anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) medication on the thickness of corneal epithelium and stroma in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: A total of 125 eyes of 69 participants were included in this retrospective study of three groups: healthy participants (Group 1), AS patients receiving anti-TNF-α medication (Group 2), and AS patients receiving a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (Group 3). RESULTS: According to anterior segment optical coherence tomography, the mean thickness of the corneal epithelium was significantly thicker in Group 2 than in Group 3 (51.6 ± 3.2 µm versus 50.4 ± 3 µm, p = 0.01), as was that of the stroma (475 ± 33 µm versus 443 ± 29 µm, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TNF-α medication and/or avoidance of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could improve the thickness of both the corneal epithelium and stroma in AS patients.

The relationship between C-reactive protein rs3091244 polymorphism and ankylosing spondylitis.

AIMS: Previous studies have shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphism can be related to inflammatory changes. The present study aimed to examine the association between CRP gene polymorphism and clinical and laboratory findings in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients, 40 with AS and 40 controls, were included in the study. Diagnosis of AS was made according to Assessment in AS International Working Group criteria. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index scores were evaluated. CRP gene C, A and T alleles were evaluated and were determined using the analysis of melting curves after real time polymerase chain reaction. The odds ratios were calculated for all alleles and haploids of the CRP gene. We investigated the relationship between the CRP polymorphism and clinical and laboratory findings. RESULTS: A, C, T allele frequencies in the control group were 15%, 57.5% and 27.5%. The allele frequencies in the AS group were 38%, 68.8% and 26.2%. While C and T allele frequencies were shown to be similar in the two groups, A allele frequency was higher in the AS group compared to the control group. The CC wild allele was 42.5% in the control group and 47.5% in the AS group (P = 1.0). Odds ratios for the C allele were 1.6, for the CC haploid 1.2 and for the CT haploid 3.7. Chest expansion and finger-to-ground distance was better in the CRP gene polymorphism group compared to the no polymorphism group. CONCLUSION: The presence of the CRP gene CC wild haploid and C allele in patients may indicate an increased risk for AS.

Effect of Using High-Speed Drill in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of using 2 different surgical techniques (curette or high-speed drill) in anterior cervical discectomy surgery on the healing of cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four operated cervical disc hernia cases were retrospectively examined in 2 groups. Discectomy and osteophytectomy were carried out in Group A by using a high-speed drill, while a curette was used for group B. Preoperative and postoperative computerized tomography and direct radiography were performed. Cervical disc height, cervical and segmental lordotic angles were calculated. The visual analogue scale and Odom's criteria were used in the assessment of pain and clinical healing. The fusion ratio of both groups was compared. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare data from the groups. RESULTS: Satisfactory results were obtained in the groups where high-speed drill and curette were used. Independently from the surgical technique, pain scores were significantly reduced in both groups after surgery. No radiologically significant differences were identified between the two groups within the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Either high-speed drill or curette can be chosen for the osteophytectomy and discectomy stages of anterior cervical discectomy operations.

Prevalence of pes anserine bursitis in symptomatic osteoarthritis patients: an ultrasonographic prospective study.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of pes anserine bursitis (PAB) in patients with osteoarthritis. A total of 85 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were included in the study. The patients were divided into four groups using the Kellgren-Lawrence staging system. The knee X-rays evaluated according to this system indicated that 15.6% of patients were grade 1, 34.1% grade 2, 37.1% grade 3, and 13.5% grade 4. Ultrasonography (USG) was performed on both knees by a radiologist experienced in musculoskeletal system ultrasonography and unaware of the patients' physical examination or direct X-ray findings. The presence of PAB, longest diameter of bursitis, and area of bursitis were recorded. The average age of the 11 male and 74 female patients included in the study was 58.9 ± 9.0 years. A total of 170 knees of 85 patients were examined. The incidence of bursitis was significantly higher in females (p = 0.026). The incidence of bursitis on ultrasound was 20% (34/170). There was a statistical difference between the grades for bursitis incidence (p = 0.004). There was a significant positive correlation between both the longest length (p = 0.015, r = 0.187) and area (p = 0.003, r = 0.231) of PAB with osteoarthritis grade. The mean age of bursitis patients was higher than that of those without the condition (p = 0.038). In addition, the osteoarthritis (OA) grade and bursitis prevalence increased as the patients' age increased, and these increases were statistically significant (p < 0.001). PAB is easily evaluated with ultrasonography. Pes anserine bursitis was observed in one out of every five symptomatic OA patients and was more common in female patients and with advanced age. A positive correlation was found between OA grade and PAB size and area.

Evaluation of possible factors affecting contrast sensitivity function in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

PURPOSE: The contrast sensitivity (CS) function in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) may be impaired either frequently as a result of dry eye diseases or rarely as a result of optic neuropathy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the CS function in pSS patients as well as to assess corneal aberrations and thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL). METHODS: Fourteen eyes of 14 pSS patients (pSS group) and 14 eyes of 14 healthy participants (control group) were subjected to assessment of CS at the spatial frequencies of 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12, and 18 cycles/degree (cpd) using a functional visual acuity contrast test (FACT); measurement of corneal high-order aberrations (HOAs) in terms of coma-like, spherical-like, and total HOAs using Scheimpflug corneal topography; and measurement of the thickness of both the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) and pRNFL in all quadrants using optical coherence tomography. None of the participants were under treatment with artificial tears. RESULTS: The results of the CS test did not differ between the 2 groups at all spatial frequencies (p>0.05). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of corneal HOAs (p>0.05) and thickness of mGCIPL (p>0.05). However, among all quadrants, only the inferior quadrant of pRNFL in pSS patients was statistically significantly thinner than that in the healthy participants (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The CS function in pSS patients can be maintained with normal thickness of both pRNFL and mGCIPL and with lack of increased corneal HOAs, which may be present even in the absence of artificial tear usage.

Prospective evaluation of the renal morphology and vascular resistance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

AIMS: To evaluate renal morphology, prevalence of urinary stone disease, renal perfusion and resistance to renal blood flow in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with AS and with normal basal renal functions, together with 38 healthy individuals matched in terms of age, sex, blood lipid profile and body mass index, were included. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, creatinine and glucose levels were measured in both groups, as well as vitamin D, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein in the AS group. Renal dimensions, parenchymal echogenicity, presence of stone and renal resistive index (RRI) from the interlobular artery level were measured, and correlations with clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with AS (age 42.4+/- 11.5, 24 male, 14 women) and a control group of 38 healthy individuals (age 41.7+/-10.8, 23 male, 15 female) were included in the study. Renal stone was present in 7 patients (18.4%) in the AS group and 4 subjects (10.5%) in the control group. There was no significant difference in prevalence of stone between the groups (p=0.516). RRI values were significantly higher in the patients with AS (0.63+/-0.06) compared with the control group (0.59+/-0.03, p=0.001). Significant correlations were determined between RRI and age, triglyceride level, body mass index and length of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Renal Doppler is an important examination in early diagnosis and monitoring of renal changes in AS patients since renal complications in AS develop in the chronic and follow a subclinical course.