Mandibular Bone Imaging Assessment in Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the risk of low bone mineral density (BMD), evaluated by mandibular cortical index (MCI), W-index (WI), and the continuity of the mandibular canal cortices in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in comparison with healthy subjects. Material and Methods: A retrospective and comparative study was conducted in individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (Study Group—SG) and healthy individuals without comorbidities (Control Group—CG). MCI, WI, and the continuity of the mandibular canal cortices were evaluated by two experienced observers. Conditional logistic regression was performed to verify associations between MCI and other variables. Results: The study included 37 RA patients and 37 healthy controls, matched by sex, age, and ethnicity. Six patients from each group were considered C1 (without BMD reduction in mandibular cortical bone). No differences between the BMD were detected for WI (p = 0.54). The odds ratio analysis did not demonstrate associations between the lower MCI and the variables: presence of RA, ethnicity, sex, glucocorticoid, bisphosphonate intake, and the mandible cortices continuity. Conclusion: Most individuals with RA had altered MCI, but no association was observed between the variables studied.