Evaluation of the effects of chronic qat chewing on lateral pterygoid muscle using MRI

Cone beam computed tomography findings in temporomandibular joint of chronic qat chewers: Dimensional and osteoarthritic changes

“…So far, there has not been enough evidence to depict this association, simply due to the fact that most of the previous studies were clinically based, [11][12][13] with only two imaging studies being available in the literature. 5,7 In one of these studies, Almashraqi et al 5 used MRI to evaluate TMJ of QC and NQC and found a high prevalence of the arthritic changes and low prevalence of disc displacement among QC. Since arthritic changes were the most commonly reported findings in that latter study 5 and that MRI is not the most favourable imaging modality for hard tissue assessment, 16,17 the current study was conducted aiming at comprehensively assessing the bony structures of TMJ in QC using CBCT imaging-the best modality for assessment of TMJ bony structures.…”

“…[2][3][4] Additionally, qat chewing has been linked with masticatory muscles pain and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). [5][6][7] Temporomandibular joint disorders are a spectrum of joint and muscular disorders of the cranio-oro-facial area, with a high prevalence among the general population. 8,9 Such disorders can severely affect quality of life.…”

“…6,13 In line with that, recent MRI-based studies by Al-Mashraqi and colleagues have substantiated the findings of the aforementioned clinical-based studies; namely, the findings showed significantly higher occurrences of TMJ changes (osteoarthritis, joint effusion and lateral pterygoid muscle changes) in QC than in non-qat chewers (NQC). 5,7 The plausible explanation for TMD among QC is that the continuous qat chewing usually ensues micro-and macro-trauma resulting from overuse of the TMJ and its supporting masticatory system. 7 Given complexity of TMJ, the diagnosis of TMD is complicated and requires both clinical and imaging evaluation.…”

“…5,7 The plausible explanation for TMD among QC is that the continuous qat chewing usually ensues micro-and macro-trauma resulting from overuse of the TMJ and its supporting masticatory system. 7 Given complexity of TMJ, the diagnosis of TMD is complicated and requires both clinical and imaging evaluation. 14 and conventional radiography.…”

“…16,17 Unfortunately, despite the high prevalence of TMD among QC, there has been paucity in the literature regarding the TMJ radiographic changes in QC. To date, only two MRI-based studies 5,7 have been conducted to assess TMJ of QC. Strikingly, one of these studies 5 reported high prevalence of osteoarthritis although MRI is not the modality of choice to assess bony changes of TMJ.…”