Oral radiographic changes in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) is an autoimmune disease affecting connective tissues.
• Osseous manifestations in the jaws are recognized complications of PSS.
• Radiographic evaluation is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring PSS-related changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and nature of radiographic jaw abnormalities in patients with PSS.
• To assess the utility of intraoral and panoramic radiography in detecting osseous changes associated with PSS.

Main Methods:

• 35 patients diagnosed with PSS underwent intraoral and panoramic radiographic examinations.
• Radiographs were analyzed for abnormalities in periodontal ligament spaces, mandibular angle, and coronoid process.

Main Results:

• 13 out of 35 patients (37%) exhibited abnormally thickened periodontal ligament spaces.
• 6 patients (17%) showed mild to significant resorption of the posterior mandibular angle.
• 3 patients experienced coronoid process destruction, with 2 also presenting with mandibular angle resorption.

Conclusions:

• Radiographic evidence of osseous changes is common in patients with PSS.
• Panoramic radiography is a valuable tool for the initial and ongoing assessment of jaw abnormalities in PSS patients.
• Regular radiographic monitoring is essential for detecting and managing PSS-related skeletal complications in the jaws.