[The temporomandibular joint in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: what radiologists need to look for on magnetic resonance imaging]

Abstract

The term "juvenile idiopathic arthritis" (JIA) encompasses a group of arthritis of unknown cause with onset before the age of 16 years that last for at least 6 weeks. The prevalence of temporomandibular joint involvement in published series ranges from 17% to 87%. Temporomandibular joint involvement is difficult to detect clinically, so imaging plays a key role in diagnosis and monitoring treatment. MRI is the technique of choice for the study of arthritis of the temporomandibular joint because it is the most sensitive technique for detecting acute synovitis and bone edema. Power Doppler ultrasonography can also detect active synovitis by showing the hypervascularization of the inflamed synovial membrane, but it cannot identify bone edema. This article describes the MRI technique for evaluating the temporomandibular joint in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, defines the parameters to look for, and illustrates the main findings.

Keywords: Articulaciones; Articulación temporomandibular; Artritis idiopática juvenil; Joints; Juvenile idiopathic arthritis; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pediatrics; Pediatría; Resonancia magnética; Temporomandibular joint.