Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis
characterized by inflammation of the synovial membranes. Even though any
articulation can be involved, temporomandibular joints are considered among
the last ones to be affected. Cervical spine involvement is also considered a
feature of long-standing disease, atlantoaxial impaction with vertical
subluxation of the odontoid process through the foramen magnum being one
of the most serious complications. Hereby we report a 44-year old patient
with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with increasing headaches for several
months. Medical imaging investigation revealed severe deformities of both
temporomandibular joints and an upward displacement of the odontoid
process above the foramen magnum consistent with atlantoaxial impaction.
Relevant findings that can be obtained by different imaging modalities and
potential therapeutic strategies are also discussed.
Description:
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Nicolae Testemitsanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Republic of Moldova
