Ultrasonography of the temporomandibular joint: comparison of findings in patients with rheumatic diseases and temporomandibular disorders. A preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to compare findings from ultrasonography (US) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).


METHODS
US assessment of the temporomandibular joints was bilaterally performed in 68 patients (22 with RA, 11 with PsA, and 35 with TMD). All the TMJs were assessed for the presence of disc displacement, effusion, and changes of the condylar profile, and the prevalence of such abnormalities was compared across the 3 groups of patients. To confirm generalizability of results, US findings were also compared with those of magnetic resonance (MR), taken as the standard of reference.


RESULTS
Prevalence of disc displacement and changes in condylar profile were similar between patients with rheumatic diseases and temporomandibular disorders, while effusion was significantly more present in TMJs of TMD patients. Sensitivity of US to detect TMJ abnormalities was acceptable, while specificity was low for condylar alterations.


CONCLUSIONS
Temporomandibular joint involvement in patients with rheumatic diseases seems to be similar to that described in subjects with temporomandibular disorders. Ultrasonography confirmed to be an accurate technique to detect disc displacement and effusion within the temporomandibular joint, but not to detect condylar abnormalities.
Manfredini
Daniele
D
Department of Neuroscience, University of Pisa, Italy. daniele.manfredini@tin.it
Tognini
Francesco
F
Melchiorre
Daniela
D
Bazzichi
Laura
L
Bosco
Mario
M
D000328:Adult; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography