Progression of radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in relation to inflammatory markers and mediators in the blood

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with clinical involvement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relation to the blood level of inflammatory mediators and markers. Sixteen patients were investigated by computed tomography on two occasions 25-46 months apart. The radiographs were assessed independently for changes in presence of erosions, sclerosis, flattening, osteophytes, and subchondral pseudocysts. The serum (S) or plasma (P) concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), thrombocyte particle concentration, scrotonin (S-5-HT and P-5-HT), tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, tumor necrosis factor soluble receptor type II, interleukin-1 soluble receptor type II (P-IL-1sRII) and interleukin 6 as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. The radiographic status showed no consistent or significant change during the observation period, but the individual variation was considerable. The radiographic signs of erosion and sclerosis varied most. Regression of erosions was associated with high S-5-HT and P-IL-1sRII, while progression of erosions was associated with high P-5-HT. Regression of sclerosis was associated with an increase in P-5-HT and high ESR. Progression of flattening was associated with high CRP. In conclusion, this study indicates that the progression of radiographic changes that occurs in the TMJ of patients with well-controlled RA during a period of 25-46 months seems to be related to the blood levels of CRP, 5-HT, and IL-1sRII. However, only minor progression can be expected to occur, and with considerable individual variation.

Evaluation of The Effects Of Rheumatoid Arthritis On The Hard And Soft Tissue Components Of The Temporomandibular Joint By Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

“…While the MRI findings involvement was present within (80% ) of the study group subjects, CHE was considered the most predominant feature and that was in agreement with other previous studies (11,12) . All the recorded clinical and MRI findings were in agreement with other previous studies (1.2.4.5.9.10) , but in different percentages and that may be due to the selection of the sample regarding the age ,gender distributions,method used in the measurement, and the type of radiographic aid.…”

The Efficacy of Platelets Rich Plasma Injection in the Superior Joint Space of the Tempromandibular Joint Guided by Ultra Sound in Patients with Non-reducing Disk Displacement

“…Studies of TMJ injections have focused on decreased pain after injection in patients with both pain and limited mouth opening secondary to inflammatory disorders of the joint, such as arthritis and capsulitis [15][16][17].…”

Temporomandibular Disorders and BIO-IPNs: in vitro approach to find molecular solution to biological problem

“…It is found that 28 % of the adult population have symptoms and clinical signs of TMD [22,23]. The aetiological factors of TMJ disorders as follows: systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, pseudogout, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.…”