[Ochronotic spondylarthropathy].

We describe a patient with ochronotic spondyloarthropathy who presented with severe spinal stiffness, advanced degenerative changes in the spine with ossifications of the intervertebral discs and subchondral sclerosis of the sacroiliac joints. The diagnosis of ochronosis was verified by detection of homogentisic acid in the urine. Ochronosis is rare, but should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis to other spondyloarthropathies including AS.