Radiomorphometric Analysis of Trabecular and Cortical Bone of the Mandible in Patients with Behçet Disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the radiomorphometric parameters of trabecular and cortical bone of the mandible in patients with Behçet disease.

METHODS

This study comprised 24 patients diagnosed with Behçet disease, consisting of 16 women and 8 men age and sex matched healthy individuals. The radiomorphometric parameters examined included fractal dimension, mandibular cortical width, and mandibular cortical index.

RESULTS

The mean fractal dimension values of the all regions were higher in the patients of Behçet disease group in the control group. But there were no significant differences in the mean fractal dimensions of selected regions between the 2 groups, except anterior region (P < .05). There were no significant differences in mandibular cortical width between the 2 groups (P > .05). The mean mandibular cortical width was 4.66 mm in the patients with Behçet disease and 5.23 mm in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with Behçet disease showed reduced mandibular bone quality, possibly due to malabsorption. This condition is associated with increased cortical bone porosity and a thinner cortex.