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Direct coronal computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

P. Goupille, MD B. Fouquet, MD P. Cotty, MD ^* D. Goga, MD and J.-P. Valat, MD

Department of Rheumatology, University of Tours, Trousseau Hospital, 37044 Tours Cedex, France ^* Department of Neuroradiology, University of Tours, Trousseau Hospital, 37044 Tours Cedex, France Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tours, Trousseau Hospital, 37044 Tours Cedex, France

Direct coronal computed tomography (CT) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was performed in 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 26 control subjects. Erosions and cysts of the mandibular condyle had a significantly higher frequency in the RA group than in the control group (p < 0.05) but there was no significant difference in the incidence of other abnormalities. Bone changes were bilateral in RA. A wide range of CT abnormalities was present in patients with RA and in the control group. There are no CT abnormalities specific for RA, but the incidence of erosions and cysts of the mandibular condyle was significantly higher in the RA group and should suggest the diagnosis.

Key Words: Rheumatoid arthritis • Temporomandibular joint • Computed tomography

Received for publication June 17, 1991. Accepted for publication May 6, 1992.