Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, with more frequent occurrence in the female gender, it primarily affects the lining of the synovial joints, and is associated with lower quality of life, inability to work, progressive disability, and all of these patients are more likely to develop other comorbidities.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a varied, chronic, systemic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disease that focuses on erosive symmetrical joint disease and is sometimes distinctly accompanied by extra-articular involvement. The inflammation of the synovial membranes characterizes it. This inflammation also affects the connective tissue and articular surfaces in the environment causing these surfaces to thicken and become more sensitive. TMJ involvement usually includes bilateral pain, tenderness, and swelling, as well as restriction of jaw movements. In the late phase of the disease, ankylosis is more likely to occur. (Savtekin, 2018)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune polyarthritis characterized by the chronic inflammation of synovial joints and oral implications such as hyposalivation, difficulty in swallowing and phoning, feeling of burning mouth, increased thirst, loss of taste or unpleasant taste and smell, dental sensitivity. (Crincoli et al, 2018)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is commonly affected with rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children, but it is usually among the last joints to be affected. (Bathi, 2004)
A Diagnostic Panel combines Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti- Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP): Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are used as highly specific and sensitive markers in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The positivity of anti-CCP antibodies is a useful marker in terms of predicting the course and prognosis of the RA. A higher titer of anti-CCP antibodies represents a poorer prognosis for the disease. Determination of the presence of anti-CCP antibodies should be performed as a routine examination in all patients with suspected rheumatoid arthritis.
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Crincoli V, Anelli MG, Quercia E, Piancino MG, Di Comite M. Temporomandibular Disorders and Oral Features in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: An Observational Study. Int J Med Sci. 2019 Jan 1;16(2):253-263. doi: 10.7150/ijms.28361. PMID: 30745806; PMCID: PMC6367523.
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Mekic M, Hadzigrahic E. Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody as a Predictor of Rheumathoid Arthritis Complications. Med Arch. 2020 Jun;74(3):183-186. doi: 10.5455/medarh.2020.74.183-186. PMID: 32801432; PMCID: PMC7406007.