AIM: To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ankylosing spondylitis(AS)associated with uveitis.

METHODS: The retrospective analysis of clinical manifestation, laboratory examination and clinical diagnosis and treatment on 18 patients with uveitis(18 eyes)from June 2006 to June 2012 in our hospital.

RESULTS: A total of 18 patients with AS associated with uveitis, including sixteen males and two females were included. Onset age of AS patients was(33±11)years old, while uveitis patient was(29±13)years old. Thirteen patients were diagnosed as AS first and then went to ophthalmology department; other five patients were diagnosed as uveitis first but later as AS. Uveitis duration of 18 patients was 15-46(27±7)days and thirteen patients among them had clear recurrent history. All patients showed typical sacroiliitis in X-ray imaging examination; thirteen patients(72.2%)had positive HLA-B27; twelve patients'(66.6%)erythrocyte sedimentation rate were increased; Seven patients'(38.8%)CRP were>10mg/L. Anterior uveitis of all patients cured after systemic treatment with corticosteroids and cycloplegic eye drops.

CONCLUSION: AS associated with uveitis is usually presented in young males,which is often characterized by unilateral onset and recurrent relapse. Based on typical clinical features and radiographic results, the diagnosis can be made. Early and effective treatment can achieve good effects.