Inflammatory pseudotumor of the infratemporal fossa leading to orbital apex syndrome

J Craniofac Surg. 2014 Jul;25(4):1324-6. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000000789.

Abstract

An inflammatory pseudotumor is a rare benign disease presenting with non-specific chronic inflammation, and reported occurrences involving the skull base are relatively rare. A 65-year-old man became aware of pain around the right temporomandibular joint and mild trismus, and palsies of the cranial nerves III, IV, V, and VI were observed. A biopsy was performed under general anesthesia with an infratemporal fossa approach, and he was diagnosed with inflammatory pseudotumor of the infratemporal fossa. There was a rapid improvement in symptoms after the start of steroid administration, and 29 months after the initial consultation, the patient remained under strict observation. The 3 criteria in our department for confirming progression of the disease are (1) clinical symptoms, (2) C-reactive protein levels in blood tests, and (3) contrast effect of the tumor on magnetic resonance imaging. This is a rare case report to demonstrate the inflammatory pseudotumor of the infratemporal fossa leading to orbital apex syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cranial Fossa, Middle*
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Orbital Diseases / etiology*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / complications*
  • Syndrome