Background and aims: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of autoinfammatory disorders, of which the primary
extra-articular manifestation is infammatory bowel disease (IBD). The oral cavity being a part of gastrointestinal tract,
is signifcantly compromised in IBD, and in many cases, it is the frst site of clinical manifestations of IBD. This study
aimed to identify changes in the oral mucosa associated with the onset of IBD and their association with endoscopic/
histological fndings.
Materials and methods: The study assessed 80 patients with SpA and 52 healthy controls. Oral, rheumatological,
and gastroenterological assessments were performed. The ileocolonoscopy was performed via digital magnifcation
chromoendoscopy. The statistical analysis consisted of Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and multiple correspondence discri‐
minant analysis tests.
Results: From the disease cohort, 63.0% patients showed oral lesions (p=0.050). These manifestations ranged from
gingivitis (55.0%, p=0.001), aphthous stomatitis (3.8%, p=0.091), angular cheilitis (2.6%, p=0.200), and perioral
erythema with scaling (1.3%, p=0.300). All patients who presented with alterations in colonic mucosa also had oral
lesions associated with IBD (p=0.039), specifcally gingivitis/aphthous stomatitis (p=0.029).
Conclusion: The patients with SpA without IBD present signifcant oral signs and symptoms. Gingivitis seems to be
the most relevant because of its associations with early endoscopic and histological fndings.
Clinical relevance: An integral approach to the diagnostic tests that includes evaluations of oral, rheumatological
and gastroenterological tissues may favor timely attention and improve patients’ quality of life.