TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT IN RHEUMATOIS ARTHRITIS – A COMPLEX IMAGING APPROACH

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the main chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders characterized by chronic destructive peripheral arthritis as well as a wide range of systemic features, resulting in irreversible damage, significant disability, functional impairment and altered quality of life. Clinical temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is commonly reported in up to 80% of RA patients. Although conventional radiological examination remains an important tool for diagnosis and assessment of TMJ disease, newer modern techniques including TMJ ultrasound, CT and cone beam CT (CBCT) are largely available and able to depict earlier changes in the TMJ. This report presents the clinical case of an established RA, emphasizing the potential diagnostic algorithm and therapeutic options for TMJ arthritis