Comparison of Cervical Extensor Muscle Thickness, Fat Infiltration, and Cervical Alignment in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis With a Healthy Population: a Retrospective Controlled Study

NCT07148167 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Kayseri City EAH
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 158
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

In the literature, we found only one study evaluating the thickness of the cervical paraspinal muscles (multifidus, semispinalis cervicis, semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis, and trapezius) in patients with AS. This study examined the morphology of all neck extensor muscles (multifidus, semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, splenius capitis, and trapezius muscles) using ultrasound and their relationship to activities of daily living and compared them with a control group. As is well known, the user's experience is crucial in ultrasound. Furthermore, ultrasound cannot accurately assess the deep paravertebral muscles. Therefore, inspired by this study, we decided to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to evaluate the cervical muscle planes in AS patients in more detailed and objective ways. In this study, in addition to cervical muscle volumes in AS patients, we also aimed to evaluate cervical fat infiltration and cervical alignment, which have not been previously evaluated in AS patients.

Conditions

Muscle Planes, Muscle Volumes, Fat Infiltration in Cervical MRI

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• servical MRI fındings in AS patients,

  the cervical muscle planes, cervical muscle volumes in AS patients cervical fat infiltration

  Patients who underwent cervical MRI between January 2020 and September 2023

Study Arms (2)

Ankylosing Spondylitis group

For the study group: * Patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, aged 18-50. * Patients who underwent a cervical MRI between January 2020 and September 2023.

Other: Magnetic resonance imaging

Control Group

Patients aged 18-50 who underwent cervical MRI between January 2020 and September 2023 due to nonspecific neck pain, who did not have an AS diagnosis and whose cervical MRI was reported as normal.

Other: Magnetic resonance imaging

Interventions

Magnetic resonance imaging OTHER

use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to evaluate the cervical muscle planes in AS patients in more detailed and objective ways. In this study, in addition to cervical muscle volumes in AS patients, we also aimed to evaluate cervical fat infiltration and cervical alignment, which have not been previously evaluated in AS patients.

Ankylosing Spondylitis group; Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

For the study group: * Patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, aged 18-50. * Patients who underwent a cervical MRI between January 2020 and September 2023. Control Group Patients aged 18-50 who underwent cervical MRI between January 2020 and September 2023 due to nonspecific neck pain, who did not have an AS diagnosis and whose cervical MRI was reported as normal.

You may qualify if:

• For the study group:
• Patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, aged 18-50.
• Patients who underwent a cervical MRI between January 2020 and September 2023. Control Group Patients aged 18-50 who underwent cervical MRI between January 2020 and September 2023 due to nonspecific neck pain, who did not have an AS diagnosis and whose cervical MRI was reported as normal.

You may not qualify if:

• Patients over 50 years of age
• History of spine surgery;
• Presence of pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper extremities
• History of cervical injury or neck injury
• Presence of tuberculosis, tumor, fracture, infection, instability, cervical myelopathy, cervical disc herniation (protrusion, extrusion) (will be considered cervical bulging)
• Presence of cervical radiculopathy
• Those with a detectable pathological spinal condition related to neck pain, including spinal deformity; inflammatory or rheumatic diseases other than AS, malignancies, or neurological diseases
• A cognitive or psychological disorder

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kayseri City Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kayseri City Hospital

Kayseri, Kocasinan, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spectrum Analysis; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Investigative Techniques

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: OTHER
• Target Duration: 1 Month
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Medical Doctor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2025
• First Posted: August 29, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 30, 2025
• Study Completion: November 30, 2025
• Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

TU (1)