Relationship between sacroiliitis and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the association between sacroiliitis and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), a measure utilized to predict right ventricular systolic function in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Patients and methods: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, medical, and echocardiographic information of 90 AS patients (54 males, 36 females; mean age: 42.7±12.4 years; range, 23 to 72 years) between March 2018 and July 2023 was prospectively recorded. The patients were divided into two groups: those with normal (≥15 mm) TAPSE values (Group 1; n=69) and those with low (<15 mm) TAPSE values (Group 2; n=21). The groups were compared in terms of TAPSE values. Results: In Group 2, the disease duration was longer (p=0.049), the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors was higher (p=0.046), and the rate of sacroiliitis was lower (p=0.012). Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index was higher in Group 2. In logistic regression analysis, there was an independent relationship between sacroiliitis in AS patients and Group 2 (odds ratio=0.088, 95% confidence interval: 0.008-0.960, p=0.046). Sacroiliitis had a close association with decreased right ventricular function in patients with AS. Conclusion: There was an independent relationship between sacroiliitis and TAPSE in patients with AS.