Evaluation of temporomandibular joint involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients

TMJ involvement is common in JIA patients and can occur at any stage of the disease. It is often asymptomatic and progresses insidiously, leading to chronic and degenerative changes in the mandible at an early stage. Due to its asymptomatic nature, the insidious progression, and the risk of causing chronic, irreversible sequelae, it is crucial to screen high-risk JIA patients regularly with contrast-enhanced TMJ MRI, which remains the gold standard method. While specific risk factors are difficult to pinpoint, some factors may increase the likelihood of TMJ involvement. To better identify these high-risk patients and determine which individuals require regular screening, larger-scale and multicenter studies are essential.