Influence of hypothyroidism on radiomorphometric parameters of mandibular radiograph: A cross-sectional case control study

Thyroid hormones have a catabolic effect on bone mineral homeostasis. Hypothyroid patients have shown changes in bone mineral density with increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Radiomorphometric parameters on panoramic images are good indicators of bone mineral density. The aim of the study was to compare the radiomorphometric changes in dental panoramic images of patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism with age- and gender-matched control populations. Materials and Methods Panoramic radiographs of 47 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism was measured for Radio morphometric indices like Mental index (MI), The inferior panoramic mandibular index (PMI), The antegonial index (AGI), Gonial Index (GI) and Mandibular cortical Index (MCI). The measurements were compared with age and gender matched healthy controls. Results The mean values of mental index, inferior panoramic mandibular index, and gonial index were observed in hypothyroidism than in healthy controls. However, only AGI showed statistically significant differences between cases and controls (p = 0.03). Conclusion Further studies with larger samples, comparing the dosage of hormone replacement therapy and hormone levels with bone changes, can provide substantial validated data