Fractal dimension analysis of different mandibular regions in familial Mediterranean fever patients: A cross-sectional retrospective study

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic condition that may cause loss of bone mineral density (BMD) due to chronic inflammation. Previously, fractal dimension (FD) analysis values of mandibular cortical bone were shown to be lower in osteoporosis. Therefore, FD might be considered as an auxiliary tool to refer patients for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is the gold standard for BMD measurement. The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to evaluate trabecular and cortical microarchitecture of the mandible with FD analysis on panoramic radiographs in a subpopulation of FMF. Also, the effect of colchicine use was investigated. Forty-three FMF patients, aged between 10.8 and 71.2 years, and age- and gender-matched control group consisting of patients, who had no systemic diseases, were included. Demographic information such as age and gender, and colchicine use were recorded. In terms of age, the patients were classified as