Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (pseudogout)

Findings in ancient Egyptian mummies from tomb KV64, Valley of the Kings, Luxor, with evidence of a rheumatic disease

OBJECTIVE

In 2011, a spectacular find was made in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt - a well-known archaeological site, where pharaohs were buried during the New Kingdom (ca. 1500-1100 BCE). A team from the University of Basel's Kings' Valley Project discovered a tomb (KV64) containing two mummies that were buried in different time episodes (unidentified elite burial, 18th dynasty, and Nehemesbastet, 22nd dynasty).

METHOD

Anthropological investigations of the mummies were performed using portable X-ray and photographic documentation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The first burial was an adult individual with bilateral pathological changes at the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), most likely of inflammatory origin, possibly psoriatic arthritis. Investigations of the second burial revealed an intact body of a younger female individual.

Management of temporomandibular joint diseases: a rare case report of coexisting calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition and synovial chondromatosis

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition (CPP) and synovial chondromatosis (SC) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rarely reported. CPP disease (CPPD) is complex arthritis synonymous with excessive pyrophosphate production and variable aberrations in mineral and organic phase metabolism of the joint cartilage, leading to local inundated CPP and crystal deposition of partially deciphered predispositions. Meanwhile, SC is a rare benign synovial joint proliferative disease of unclear etiology and has a low risk of malignant transformation. However, SC manifests severe joint disability and dysfunction because of connective tissue metaplasia of the synovial membrane, which forms cartilaginous nodules with or without calcifications or ossifications. These nodules often detach and form intra-articular loose bodies and very rarely within extraarticular spaces.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 61-year-old man to expand the body of literature on these unusual coexisting arthropathies of the TMJ. The patient presented to our hospital in 2020 with complaints of pain in the right TMJ and trismus for over 6 months. Radiographic assessments of the TMJ provided a preoperative provisional diagnosis of SC. However, the histopathology of the open biopsy revealed tumor-like lesions comprising several deposits of rhomboid and rod-shaped crystals that displayed positive birefringence in polarized light, confirming a coexistence of CPPD. A second-stage operation was performed for the complete removal of the loose bodies and chalk-like lesions including synovectomy. No evidence of recurrence was recorded after a follow-up of nearly 1.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated CPPD and SC of the TMJ are prevalent in the literature however, monoarticular coexistence of these diseases is rare, due to the lack of consistency in the diagnostic criteria in clinical practice. Moreover, optimal treatment depends on several considerations. This report delineated the molecular etiopathology and underscored the need for continued deciphering of the causal mechanisms of coexisting CPPD and SC of the TMJ. In addition, the importance of confirmatory testing for accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management of these diseases were discussed.

The Role of Ultrasound in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: An Update and Future Perspectives

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is the second most common chronic pain condition affecting the general population after back pain. It encompasses a complex set of conditions, manifesting with jaw pain and limitation in mouth opening, influencing chewing, eating, speaking, and facial expression. TMJ dysfunction could be related to mechanical abnormalities or underlying inflammatory arthropathies, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). TMJ exhibits a complex anatomy, and thus a thorough investigation is required to detect the TMJ abnormalities. Importantly, TMJ involvement can be completely asymptomatic during the early stages of the disease, showing no clinically detectable signs, exposing patients to delayed diagnosis, and progressive irreversible condylar damage. For the prevention of JIA complications, early diagnosis is therefore essential. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is described in the literature as the gold standard method to evaluate TMJ. However, it is a high-cost procedure, not available in all centers, and requires a long time for image acquisition, which could represent a problem notably in the pediatric population. It also suffers restricted usage in patients with claustrophobia. Ultrasonography (US) has emerged in recent years as an alternative diagnostic method, as it is less expensive, not invasive, and does not demand special facilities. In this narrative review, we will investigate the power of US in TMJ disorders based on the most relevant literature data, from an early screening of TMJ changes to differential diagnosis and monitoring. We then propose a potential algorithm to optimize the management of TMJ pathology, questioning what would be the role of ultrasonographic study.

A Case of Synovial Chondromatosis of Temporomandibular Joint with Numerous Loose Bodies

Here, we report a case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with numerous loose bodies. A 56-year-old woman was examined in the oral surgery department for trismus and pain in the left TMJ when opening the mouth. Imaging indicated TMJ synovial chondromatosis, and the patient was referred to our department for further examination. Her facial features were symmetrical, and no occlusal abnormalities were found. The maximum mouth opening was 30 mm, and movement of the left mandibular condyle was restricted and accompanied by pain and joint sounds. Panoramic radiography showed deformation of the left mandibular condyle and radiopaque lesions surrounding it. Computed tomography showed numerous small granules around the left mandibular condyle, some of which were calcified. Magnetic resonance imaging showed anterior disc displacement without reduction in the left TMJ and hypointense lesions on T2-weighted images. Bone scintigraphy showed an accumulation in the area of the left TMJ. Based on the diagnosis of the left TMJ synovial chondromatosis, the lesions were removed, and plastic surgery on the mandibular condyle was performed under general anesthesia. We removed 386 white loose bodies. Histopathologically, the loose bodies were consistent with synovial chondromatosis lesions. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence or TMJ dysfunction approximately 5 years after the surgery, indicating that open surgery is the best course of intervention in such cases.

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease of the temporomandibular joint invading the middle cranial fossa: Two case reports

BACKGROUND

Pseudogout is a benign joint lesion caused by the deposition of calcium pyro-phosphate dihydrate crystals, but it is invasive. Pseudogout of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is uncommon, and it rarely invades the skull base or penetrates into the middle cranial fossa. The disease has no characteristic clinical manifestations and is easily misdiagnosed.

CASE SUMMARY

We present two cases of tophaceous pseudogout of the TMJ invading the middle cranial fossa. A 46-year-old woman with a history of diabetes for more than 10 years was admitted to the hospital due to swelling and pain in the right temporal region. Another patient, a 52-year-old man with a mass in the left TMJ for 6 years, was admitted to the hospital. Maxillofacial imaging showed a calcified mass and severe bone destruction of the skull base in the TMJ area. Both patients underwent excision of the lesion. The lesion was pathologically diagnosed as tophaceous pseudogout. The symptoms in these patients were relieved after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Tophaceous pseudogout should be considered when there is a calcified mass in the TMJ with or without bone destruction. A pathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing this disease. Surgical treatment is currently the recommended treatment, and the prognosis is good after surgery.

Potential utility of anti-TNF drugs in synovial chondromatosis associated with ankylosing spondylitis

We describe a previously unreported association of ankylosing spondylitis with synovial chondromatosis, and briefly review previously reported cases and treatment of synovial chondromatosis in patients with other immune-mediated inflammatory arthritides. A 20-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis whose axial disease was in remission with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oral disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs developed recurrent right knee pain and swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging of his right knee revealed calcified loose bodies, suggestive of synovial chondromatosis. While waiting for the surgical intervention and other invasive therapy previously reported in patients with synovial chondromatosis, a trial of etanercept eliminated the pain and swelling of the knee; however, the loose bodies have persisted during the 2-year follow-up. Thus, synovial chondromatosis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of a refractory monoarticular pain and swelling in patients with otherwise controlled inflammatory arthritis. Our report advocates a trial of anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs, which might delay the need for invasive therapy in patients with synovial chondromatosis.

Imaging Approach to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Internal derangement is the most common temporomandibular joint disorder. Degenerative osteoarthritis and trauma are next in frequency. Less common pathology includes rheumatoid arthritis, synovial chondromatosis, calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition disease, pigmented villonodular synovitis, tumors, infection, and osteonecrosis. We provide a systematic approach to facilitate interpretation based on major anatomic structures: disc-attachments, joint space, condyle, and lateral pterygoid muscle. Relevant graphic anatomy and state of the art imaging are discussed in correlation with current clinical and therapeutic highlights of pathologic entities affecting the joint.

Imaging of the temporomandibular joint: An update

Imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is continuously evolving with advancement of imaging technologies. Many different imaging modalities are currently used to evaluate the TMJ. Magnetic resonance imaging is commonly used for evaluation of the TMJ due to its superior contrast resolution and its ability to acquire dynamic imaging for demonstration of the functionality of the joint. Computed tomography and ultrasound imaging have specific indication in imaging of the TMJ. This article focuses on state of the art imaging of the temporomandibular joint. Relevant normal anatomy and biomechanics of movement of the TMJ are discussed for better understanding of many TMJ pathologies. Imaging of internal derangements is discussed in detail. Different arthropathies and common tumors are also discussed in this article.