Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and Anterior Scleritis as initial presentations of undiagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune in fl ammatory process that involves multiple organ systems. While symmetric joint swelling of the extremities are the most widely recognized symptoms, the disease can present in a myriad of different ways, of which scleritis and temporomandibular involvement are less recognized manifestations. While scleritis and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may at times present in isolation, it is critical to consider their strong association with autoimmune disease as it allows for early diagnosis of in fl ammatory conditions and allow for the formulation of tailored treatment plans to halt their progression.