Radiographic signs of bone destruction in the arthritic temporomandibular joint with special reference to markers of disease activity. A longitudinal study

Objective. To investigate the progression of radiographic changes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with reference to plasma levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease duration. Methods. Twenty-one patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease and TMJ involvement were included. Individualized tomography of the TMJ was performed twice with an interval of at least 12 months. Blood samples were analysed for IL-1 beta and CRP. Results. Significant progression of the overall grade of radiographic changes occurred during the observation period, whereas erosions showed great interindividual variability. Progression of TMJ bone loss was correlated to raised levels of CRP and, in patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, or with shorter duration, also to plasma IL-1 beta. Conclusion. Progression of overall grade of radiographic changes in the TMJ occurs in patients with chronic inflammatory joint disease. Raised levels of serum CRP are associated with progression of TMJ hone loss.