[Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging signs and clinical findings in follow-up examinations in children and juveniles with temporomandibular joint involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to analyze the extent to which pathological findings of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up examinations are correlated with clinical symptoms in patients with TMJ involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) over time.


METHODS
Data from 34 patients with TMJ involvement in JIA was retrospectively examined. Shortly after two clinical examinations, the first MRI and the follow-up MRI were performed. The MRI examinations took place with 1.5 T MRI.


RESULTS
In both MRI examinations alterations on the condyle (MRI1: 88 %, MRT2: 91 %) and contrast enhancement (MRT1: 76 %, MRT2 65 %) were found most frequently. TMJ pain (65 %) and lower mouth opening capacity (65 %) were the number one finding in the first clinical examination. A statistically significant correlation was found between the alterations on the condyle and TMJ pain (p = 0.025) and between the alterations on the condyle and lower mouth opening capacity (p = 0.019). By comparing the results of the first MRI with the results of the follow-up MRI, we identified a trend towards a progression of TMJ arthritis, while the clinical follow-up showed an improvement in most patients.


CONCLUSIONS
We found a discrepancy between the progressive or stable trends of pathological findings in follow-up MRI and the decrease in clinical symptoms over time. Therefore, follow-up examination by MRI shows important information for correct evaluation about the stage of TMJ arthritis and about the need for treatment. Consequently, follow-up examination by MRI is an appropriate addition to clinical examination in the therapeutic concept.
Mussler
A
A
Radiologie, Charité, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin. axel.mussler@charite.de
Allozy
B
B
Landau
H
H
Kallinich
T
T
Trauzeddel
R
R
Schröder
R J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology; D008536:Meglumine; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000473:pathology; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; C072417:gadoterate meglumine