La entesis como elemento diana en las espondiloartritis

Enthesis is a structure frequently involved in spondyloarthritides. According to a recent hypothesis, it may play a key role in the pathogenesis of these entities. The present review discusses the most important aspects of current knowledge of enthesis, such as its anatomy and the extracellular matrix components present within it. Clinical evaluation and the new imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound) that complement its evaluation will be briefly described. Immunohistological studies as well as animal models developed with enthesis molecules underline the importance of enthesis in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritides. Finally, the latest research assessing the T cell response to enthesis components in patients with ankylosing spondylitis will be reviewed.