ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH METHOTREXATE

A 37-year-old-man with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriasis who w as successfully treated with methotrexate (MTX) is reported. In 1980, he had low back pain, limited motion in the lumbar spine, radiological findings of bilateral sacroiliitis, and HLA-B27 positivity. In Januar y 1991, he developed psoriasis and he had difficulty in performing des k work in spite of treatment with antirheumatic drugs. In May 1991, MT X 7.5 mg/week per os was started. Joint symptoms, psoriasis, and acute phase reactants improved within 1 month after the treatment and this improvement continued for more than 6 months after the treatment. Afte r discharge he was able to return to his job.