Early unilateral rheumatoid arthritis of temporomandibular joint as the only site: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms in the middle to late phases of the disease. There have been no reports of the initial development of RA in the unilateral TMJ as the only site. Here, we described a case of early RA initially developing in the unilateral TMJ as the only site. A 28-year-old woman was referred to our department with complaints of trismus and prearticular pain at opening five months prior. A computed tomography scan showed erosion of the left condyle. The patient had high levels of rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies. A rheumatologist diagnosed her with early RA using the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria. Great attention should be paid to such patients as early RA can initially develop in the unilateral TMJ as the only site. Also, serological testing is helpful for the diagnosis of this disease. There is a need to accumulate further reports to correctly assess the frequency of early RA that initially develops in the TMJ as the only site. This can contribute to the early identification of and early intervention for patients with early RA.