title: The correlation of research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders and magnetic resonance imaging: a study of diagnostic accuracy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) as a diagnostic test for temporomandibular joint problems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-seven women were assessed with RDC/TMD (2 examiners) and underwent MRI examination (3.0 T). Images were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists blinded to the clinical diagnoses. Results were analyzed by the Catmaker system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 67 patients, 44 were diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) according to RDC/TMD, but 21 (32%) of the diagnoses were not confirmed by MRI. The RDC/TMD sensitivity was 83.0%, specificity was 53.0%, and the positive likelihood ratio was 1.77, whereas the negative likelihood ratio was 0.32 (P = 0.16).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data suggest that RDC/TMD is a good research tool, but the high rate of false-positive results limits its use in clinical practice.
authors: Department of Dental Prosthesis, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. mantelli@usp.br
authors: Alessandra Pucci Mantelli
authors: AP
authors: Galhardo
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: da Costa Leite
authors: Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago
authors: EM
authors: Gebrim
authors: Regina Lucia Elia
authors: RL
authors: Gomes
authors: Marcio Katsuyoshi
authors: MK
authors: Mukai
authors: Claudio Akira
authors: CA
authors: Yamaguchi
authors: Wanderley Marques
authors: WM
authors: Bernardo
authors: José Maria
authors: JM
authors: Soares
authors: Edmund Chada
authors: EC
authors: Baracat
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Gil
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*