Pseudogout mimicking an infratemporal fossa tumor

Head Neck. 2010 Jan;32(1):127-32. doi: 10.1002/hed.21059.

Abstract

Background: The infratemporal fossa is a well-concealed, complex anatomical space. Neoplasms arising in this area are heterogenous in nature and have an insidious onset and usually present late.

Methods and results: We present a case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with worsening facial pain, trismus, and a large mass in her infratemporal fossa with minimal associated temporomandibular joint destruction. She underwent a surgical excision of the mass, which revealed a pseudogout deposit.

Conclusion: The clinical and radiological features of patients with tophaceous pseudogout frequently mimic those of a benign or malignant neoplasm of the infratemporal fossa, often resulting in more radical surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chondrocalcinosis / complications
  • Chondrocalcinosis / diagnosis*
  • Chondrocalcinosis / surgery*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Pain / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / complications
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Temporal Bone / pathology
  • Temporal Bone / surgery*
  • Temporomandibular Joint / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trismus / etiology