New onset of axial spondyloarthropathy in patients treated with isotretinoin for acne vulgaris: incidence, follow-up, and MRI findings.

Isotretinoin-induced axial SpA is a prevalent side effect in acne vulgaris patients. Early detection and follow-up of isotretinoin-induced sacroiliitis can be facilitated by MRI. Cessation of isotretinoin resulted in complete resolution in all affected patients.Key Points• Detection of underdiagnosed isotretinoin side effects which are common but not always correctly diagnosed and managed.• Incidence, diagnosis, and management of these side effects in a real-world setting.• This is the first large prospective longitudinal cohort study to report on axial manifestations in patients treated with isotretinoin as well as the effect of drug cessation upon the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings.