Incidental findings of temporomandibular joint disorders on standard brain MRIs

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of incidental tem-poromandibular joint findings on brain and orbit magnetic resonance imaging scans and assess if these findings are associated with symptoms. Methods: Our sample comprised 64 males (46.4%) and 74 females (53.6%), mean age 54.75±17.45 (range: 18-87). Data collected from each temporomandibular joint included articular displacement, articular effusion, condyle flattering, condyle erosions, capsule enhancement, and bone marrow edema. Dichotomous data as to temporomandibular joint-related symptoms such as headaches, earaches, dizziness, clicking or grating sound, pain or soreness of the joint, limited mouth opening, locking of the jaw, facial muscle pain, unexplained teeth pain, neck pain or stiffness and difficulty swallowing, were acquired during telephone interviews. Results: The most frequent finding was disc displacement (39.9% on the right side and 47.8% on the left), followed by condyle flattering (33.3% on the right side and 44.2% on the left). All findings, except bone marrow edema, were significantly more frequent on the left side than the right. Significant associations were found between incidental findings in the temporomandibular joint and earaches (odds ratio 2.759, P=0.043), dizziness (odds ratio 2.325, P=0.031), a clicking or grating sound (odds ratio 6.492, P=0.002) and facial muscle pain (odds ratio 11.255, P=0.003). Conclusions: Incidental findings of temporomandibular joint degenerative features were commonly found on the brain and orbit magnetic resonance imaging. Incidental findings on the temporomandibular joint were associated with earaches, dizziness, a clicking or grating sound and facial muscle pain