So far...and I have been researching it for a while today...I don't find a connection... at least, directly.

HOWEVER...I am finding several very indirect possibilities. For example (posted below) TMJ problems are found in many Lyme patients. In addition, Lupus is thought to have a spirochetal/bacterial/viral source as a possibility, according to some of the research. Also, Lupus is sometimes diagnosed in people when they really have Lyme. (Very simular symptoms in some ways.)

I am not saying yes the avascular necrosis is related, but I would not rule it out 100% either. I am not sure doctors could or could not since it seems they don't have a "for sure" cause for this condition.

Sorry for all of the "wishy washy" stuff in this post...I just can't rule it out, nor confirm it at this point. Here is a sample post that makes it a "way off" possibility. Hope this helps...but probably not. Sorry. Take care of you.

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

[Article in Russian]

Grinin VM, Nasonova VA, Maksimovskii IM, Ternovoi SK, Sinitsyn VE, Smirnov AV

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.

PMID: 10850174