An early diagnosis and an early initiation of treatment is a major factor affecting the future quality of life of the patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA). In the paper we summarize the recent knowledge on the imaging AxSpA focusing on the diagnosis of the early stages.
We evaluate the benefits and applicability of imaging methods. We present to readers the classification schemes which are used for diagnosis and monitoring the therapy of axial spondyloarthritis.
Finally, we discuss the differential diagnosis.