Question

A 45-year-old man complains of severe lower back pain with morning stiffness that improves with exercise. He has reduced chest expansion and sacroiliac joint tenderness. Which investigation is most suggestive of his likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

X-ray of the sacroiliac joints

Answer

Rheumatoid factor

Answer

ESR and CRP only

Answer

HLA-B27 testing

Answer

X-ray of the thoracic spine

Practice question

A 45-year-old man complains of severe lower back pain with morning stiffness that improves with exercise. He has reduced chest expansion and sacroiliac joint tenderness. Which investigation is most suggestive of his likely diagnosis?