ADVANCED IMAGING FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT PATHOLOGY IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement with bone resorption of the mandible is a rare complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc), leading to restrictive mandibular movements, malocclusion, difficult swallowing and mastication, and subsequently altered nutrition. We report a case of SSc-related TMJ pathology in a 23-year woman, emphasizing the relevance of advanced imaging. Extensive bone resorption of mandibular condyle reveled on dental panoramic image explains the malocclusion and impaired interincisal opening, while CBCT demonstrates reshaping of the mandibular condyle with cortical lysis, osteophytes, decreased height and flattening. Furthermore, electromyography confirms masticatory muscles involvement.

Keywords

• cbct
• mandibular condyle lysis
• scleroderma
• temporomandibular joint