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Reactive arthritis of the temporomandibular joints and cervical spine in a child

Bita Arabshahi1, Kevin M Baskin, Randy Q Cron

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA. Bita.Arabshahi@inova.com

Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal
|June 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This case study presents the first pediatric instance of reactive arthritis affecting only the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and cervical spine. It highlights the importance of considering TMJ arthritis in pediatric differential diagnoses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is common in pediatric chronic arthritis.
  • It is rarely documented in acute, non-infectious conditions.
  • This case details reactive arthritis localized to the TMJs and cervical spine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first pediatric case of reactive arthritis isolated to the TMJs and cervical spine.
  • To emphasize the inclusion of TMJ arthritis in the differential diagnosis for pediatric reactive arthritides.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-year-old boy with lymphadenitis and aseptic meningitis underwent incidental brain MRI.
  • MRI revealed effusions in the TMJs and cervical spine articulations.
  • Follow-up MRI demonstrated resolution of these effusions.

Main Results:

  • The case represents the first pediatric occurrence of reactive arthritis exclusively affecting the TMJs and cervical spine.
  • Previous reports of reactive TMJ arthritis are limited to adults.
  • Imaging confirmed effusions that subsequently resolved.

Conclusions:

  • Reactive arthritis can present in children with isolated TMJ and cervical spine involvement.
  • Temporomandibular joint arthritis should be considered in the pediatric differential diagnosis of reactive arthritides.
  • This finding expands the understanding of reactive arthritis presentation in children.
Abstract

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