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Temporomandibular joint disorder common among patients with systemic sclerosis
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Temporomandibular joint disorder was common among patients with systemic sclerosis and was found to be correlated with disease severity, according to results of a study.
Researchers enrolled 27 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), including 12 with diffuse SSc and 15 with limited SSc. Patients had a mean age of 53.9 years. The researchers compared the cohort to a group of 28 healthy volunteers of similar age. All participants underwent oro-facial examination to identify sounds and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and tenderness of masticatory muscles, as well as limitations to opening and closing the mouth. Additionally, MRI scans were performed, and the Anamnestic and Dysfunctional Index was administered.
Patients with SSc were more likely to present with clinical and MRI-confirmed TMJ dysfunction and symptoms than the control group. The distribution of symptoms also varied from the control group in patients with SSc, who were more likely to have audible sounds and pain on movement and more difficulty with opening the mouth to the maximum extent.
A significant decrease in the mean of leftward and rightward laterotrusion and protrusion was observed in the patients with SSc, according to the researchers. Analysis also showed the maximum opening leftward laterotrusion, protrusion and audible sounds were correlated with the Modified Rodnan Skin Score in patients with SSc, and disease duration was Associated With the maximum mouth-opening ability. – by Shirley Pulawski
Reference:
Matarese G, et al. Paper #FRI0447. Presented at: European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology; June 10-13, 2015; Rome.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.