GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY FOR MYASTHENIA-GRAVIS RESULTING IN RESORPTION OF THE MANDIBULAR CONDYLES

Glucocorticoids are essential therapeutic agents in the treatment of s ome chronic diseases. These agents provide anti-inflammatory, immunosu ppressive, and anti-neoplastic activity. However, glucocorticoids are not without side effects. In 1932, Gushing first noticed that glucocor ticoids were linked to bone loss and skeletal fracture.(1) After Gushi ng's findings, other reports describing hormonal effects on the skelet on and numerous examples of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis also h ave been published. However, a review of the oral and maxillofacial su rgery literature produced no reports of corticosteroid-induced osteopo rosis of the mandibular condyle, although other causes for mandibular condylar resorption have been noted.(2-4) We describe a patient who de veloped condylar resorption subsequent to corticosteroid therapy for m yasthenia gravis.