[The differential diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the temporomandibular joint in systemic lupus erythematosus].

Eight patients with facial skull abnormalities with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and temporomandibular involvement were examined. In 4 patients mandibular deformation was caused by erosive arthritis and in 4 others by aseptic necrosis of the temporomandibular joint. Clinical and x-ray characteristics, magnetic resonance and computer tomography findings in the two groups are compared. A detailed protocol for differential diagnosis of temporomandibular joint involvement in SLE is developed.