Relation between panoramic mandibular index and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background DEXA scan could be unavailable at some health centers, and radiologic examination of the mandible and oral cavity is considered more commonly used radiologic test that can predict, diagnose, or even follow-up on any defect in bone mineralization. The aim of this study was to elucidate the ability of panoramic radiograph to detect osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients and correlate panoramic mandibular index with RA disease activity and severity parameters. Results The sensitivity of panoramic mandibular index for diagnosis of osteoporosis was 96% in group Iota (primary OP) and 70% in group Iota Iota (RA patients). The positive predictive value of PMI was 67% in group Iota and 55% in group Iota Iota. The negative predictive value of PMI was 34% in group Iota and was 46% in group Iota Iota. The cutoff value of PMI for diagnosis of OP was <= 0.31 in group Iota and <= 0.17 in group Iota Iota. In group I, there were significant correlations between panoramic mandibular index and patient's ages, weights, T score at L1-4, T score at femoral neck, and T score at forearm while there were insignificant correlations between PMI and patients' heights. In group Iota Iota, there were significant correlations between PMI, patients' ages, weights, disease durations, SHARP score, ESR, RF, T score at L1-4, T score at femoral neck, and T score at forearm, while there were insignificant correlations between PMI and patients' heights, DAS, and CRP. Conclusions Panoramic radiography could have a potential usability in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients regardless of displaying insignificant correlation with disease activity.