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 Ι (primary OP)
and 70% in group ΙΙ (RA patients). The positive predictive value of PMI was 67% in group Ι and 55% in group ΙΙ. The
negative predictive value of PMI was 34% in group Ι and was 46% in group ΙΙ. The cutoff value of PMI for diagnosis of
OP was ≤ 0.31 in group Ι and ≤ 0.17 in group ΙΙ. 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 ΙΙ, 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 |
