Temporomandibular joint involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is a recognized, yet often underreported, complication of SLE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of temporomandibular joint involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
• To identify objective clinical and radiographic signs of TMJ arthritis in SLE patients.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted on 37 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, without prior selection for TMJ issues.
• Clinical examinations assessed for TMJ symptoms such as locking, tenderness, and pain on mandibular movement.
• Radiographic analysis evaluated condylar changes including flattening, erosion, osteophytes, and sclerosis.

Main Results:

• One-third of SLE patients reported current TMJ complaints, while two-thirds had a history of severe symptoms.
• Objective signs of TMJ arthritis (locking, tenderness, pain) were present in 8 patients (22%), compared to none in healthy controls.
• Radiographic evidence of condylar changes was observed in 11 patients (30%), with 4 also exhibiting deformities in other joints.

Conclusions:

• Temporomandibular joint involvement is a significant clinical feature in a substantial portion of systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
• Clinical and radiographic findings confirm the presence of TMJ arthritis in SLE, necessitating consideration in patient management.
• The study underscores the importance of evaluating TMJ health in SLE patients, even in the absence of specific complaints.