Lipoma of the infratemporal fossa. Apropos of a case

Lipomas of the infratemporal fossa are rare. We report a case that underlines the importance of imaging for diagnosis and treatment. We discuss the incidence, pathogenesis and diagnostic problems as well as therapeutic options for lipomas of the infratemporal fossa.     

Infratemporal fossa mucocele with trigeminal nerve compression

We present a rare case of an infratemporal fossa mucocele with facial paresthesia in a 36-year-old man. Both computerized tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a cystic lesion occupying the left infratemporal fossa. Marsupialization using transmaxillary and endoscopic intranasal approaches was performed to drain the mucocele into the nasal cavity and the application of mitomycin C to preserve the drainage of mucocele, which may be a good surgical option for the complete excision of infratemporal fossa cystic lesions without causing postoperative morbidity.     

Synovial sarcoma of the infratemporal fossa

OBJECTIVES: A case is reported in which synovial sarcoma (SS) is arising within the infratemporal fossa. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case report and literature review from an academic tertiary referral practice. RESULTS: A 46-year-old white woman presented with a 1-month history of having paresthesias on the left side of her head. There was a sensory deficit at the level of the third division dermatome (V3) of the fifth left cranial nerve. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass centered in the left infratemporal fossa. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) revealed a spindle cell neoplasm. An endoscopic, transantral biopsy of the mass revealed SS. The SS in the infratemporal fossa was surgically removed en bloc. The patient had postoperative chemoradiotherapy and is free of disease at 1 year from completion of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case from the United States of America of SS located in the infratemporal fossa and the third case to be reported in the English language literature.     

Congenital cholesteatoma of the infratemporal fossa with congenital aural atresia and mastoiditis: a case report

Background

Congenital cholesteatoma may be expected in abnormally developed ear, it may cause bony erosion of the middle ear cleft and extend to the infratemporal fossa. We present the first case of congenital cholesteatoma of the infratemporal fossa in a patient with congenital aural atresia that has been complicated with acute mastoiditis.

Case presentation

A sixteen year old Egyptian male patient presented with congenital cholesteatoma of the infratemporal fossa with congenital aural atresia complicated with acute mastoiditis. Two weeks earlier, the patient suffered pain necessitating hospital admission, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft tissue mass in the right infratemporal fossa. On presentation to our institute, Computerized tomography was done as a routine, it proved the diagnosis of mastoiditis, pure tone audiometry showed an air-bone gap of 60 dB. Cortical mastoidectomy was done for treatment of mastoiditis, removal of congenital cholesteatoma was carried out with reconstruction of external auditory canal. Follow-up of the patient for 2 years and 3 months showed a patent, infection free external auditory canal with an air-bone gap has been reduced to 35db. One year after the operation; MRI was done and it showed no residual or recurrent cholesteatoma.

Conclusions

Congenital cholesteatoma of the infratemporal fossa in cases of congenital aural atresia can be managed safely even if it was associated with mastoiditis. It is an original case report of interest to the speciality of otolaryngology.     

不同内镜手术入路对翼腭窝及颞下窝的显露程度比较及其临床应用价值探讨

目的应用不同的内镜手术入路解剖翼腭窝及颞下窝,比较内镜下各手术入路的显露范围,为恰当选择内镜手术入路处理翼腭窝及颞下窝病变提供解剖学方面的依据。方法 4具8侧成人尸头标本,0°内镜引导下分别采取上颌窦后壁入路、扩大上颌窦后壁入路、鼻腔外侧壁入路、揭翻经上颌窦入路进行解剖学研究,观测各手术入路的有效显露范围。结果上颌窦后壁入路能显露翼腭窝上部和颞下窝内侧区深部;扩大上颌窦后壁入路在以上手术入路的基础上进一步显露翼腭窝下部;鼻腔外侧壁入路再进一步显露整个上颌窦和上颌窦底壁平面以上的颞下窝内外侧区;揭翻经上颌窦入路则能更进一步显露整个颞下窝。结论不同的内镜手术入路对翼腭窝及颞下窝的显露程度各不相同,以此为基础选择相应的手术入路处理不同范围的翼腭窝及颞下窝病变将有利于充分显露和有效切除病变,并尽可能避免不必要的手术损伤和并发症。     

Robotic skull base surgery: preclinical investigations to human clinical application

OBJECTIVE: To develop a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa skull base neoplasms using the technical and optical advantages of robotic surgical instrumentation. DESIGN: A robotics skull base surgery program at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, was initiated in the fall of 2005. Six experimental procedures focusing on developing approaches to the parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa were performed on a total of 2 cadavers and 1 mongrel dog. Based on the preclinical work, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) was then performed in February 2007 on 1 human patient with a parapharyngeal to infratemporal fossa cystic neoplasm as part of a large prospective human trial. SETTING: In each cadaver and in the dog, a TORS approach to parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa was performed bilaterally and in an approved training facility using the da Vinci Surgical System. For the human surgical case, a TORS approach was evaluated on one side for a benign neoplasm. The human patient underwent TORS of the parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa under an institutional review board-approved prospective clinical trial. PATIENTS: For the human clinical trial, a TORS approach was evaluated for a patient with a benign neoplasm of the parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The ability to access and dissect tissues within the various areas of the parapharynx and infratemporal fossa was evaluated, and techniques to enhance visualization and instrumentation were developed. RESULTS: Using TORS approaches permitted excellent access, visualization, and tissue dissection within the parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa in both the cadaver and canine experiments. In the first known human surgical case, TORS was used to remove a parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa cystic neoplasm. Wide visualization, followed by complete resection using the identical techniques developed in the preclinical models, was achieved. The robotic procedure allowed adequate and safe identification of the internal carotid artery and cranial nerves, and excellent hemostasis was achieved with no complications during or after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The TORS approaches provided excellent 3-dimensional visualization and instrument access that allowed successful parapharyngeal space and infratemporal fossa surgical resections from cadaver models to the first known human patient application. Robotic surgery for the skull base holds potential as a minimally invasive approach to skull base neoplasms; however, continued development and investigation is warranted in a prospective human clinical trial before final conclusions can be drawn as to the full advantages and limitations of this approach.     

Endoscopic management of benign tumors extending into the infratemporal fossa: a two-surgeon transnasal approach

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Preliminary results of the endoscopic two-surgeon technique for the management of benign infratemporal fossa tumors are presented. METHODS: Four patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, a patient with an inverting papilloma, and a patient with a maxillary nerve schwannoma were reviewed. The average age was 22.7 years; the male-to-female ratio was 5:1. The endoscopic anatomy and surgical technique are presented. RESULTS: The two-surgeon technique allowed complete resection of all six tumors extending into the infratemporal fossa. There has been no recurrence of tumor within the infratemporal fossa, after a mean follow-up of 31.3 months (SD = 11.2 mo). CONCLUSION: The two-surgeon transnasal technique allows benign infratemporal fossa tumors to be resected endoscopically.     

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: an extensive case with skull-base involvement

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign lesion of unclear etiology involving the synovial membranes of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. Its occurrence in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is distinctly rare. Despite its benign nature, PVNS is locally destructive to the surrounding structures. Misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis contribute to the frequency of tumors presenting at an advanced stage at the time of treatment. Thus, PVNS often requires extensive surgery. A case of PVNS of the left TMJ, involving the left infratemporal fossa and subtemporal cranial base, is presented herein. Preoperative computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy were used to establish a presumptive diagnosis and to determine the extent of the lesion. Complete excision of the lesion through an infratemporal fossa approach has provided 7 years of a disease-free period with adequate preservation of function.     

Endoscopic access to the infratemporal fossa and skull base: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that the regions of the infratemporal fossa and skull base at the level of the foramen ovale can be visualized endoscopically and that structures can be manipulated within these regions using endoscopic instruments. METHODS: Cadaveric dissection of 3 human cadavers using an endoscopic optical dissector. In all, 6 endoscopic infratemporal fossa and skull base approaches were performed. SETTING: Human temporal bone laboratory. RESULTS: A Gillies incision was coupled with a lateral brow incision, and then subperiosteal planes were developed. Endoscopic visualization and instrumentation was then performed. The infratemporal fossa was readily identified. The skull base at the level of the foramen ovale and the branches of the third division of the trigeminal nerve were seen distinctly. A probe was placed with ease within the foramen ovale itself. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic access to the infratemporal fossa is readily accomplished, with excellent visualization and instrumentation ability. This novel technique provides access to this remote region for evaluation, possible biopsy, and potential treatment of infratemporal fossa lesions.     

Subacute infratemporal fossa cellulitis with subsequent abscess formation in an immunocompromised patient

OBJECTIVES: To present a case of subacute infratemporal fossa cellulitis with subsequent abscess formation to show important anatomic relationships as they effect presentation and treatment of infections in this area. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and brief literature review. METHODS: The case of an immunocompromised patient who developed subacute infratemporal fossa cellulitis with subsequent abscess formation is presented. A literature review discusses etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections. RESULTS: Careful history and physical examination revealed unilateral facial pain, swelling, and trismus to be caused by an infratemporal fossa abscess. Intraoral drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy led to resolution of the infection. CONCLUSION: Infratemporal fossa abscesses are potentially dangerous complications of odontogenic infections. Although clinical diagnosis may be difficult, knowledge of relevant anatomy and pathways of spread allow more effective diagnosis and treatment of these infections.     

颞骨和颞下窝联合入路侧颅底肿瘤切除术

探讨安全和彻底摘除广侵侧颅底及其相邻区的肿瘤的手术入路和方法。方法通过颞骨和颞下窝联合入路,应用显微外科技术摘除肿瘤,并尽可能维护或重建颅底和颅神经。     

Neurilemomas of the infratemporal space: report of a case and review of the literature.

We describe a case of a trigeminal neurilemoma in an adolescent girl. It primarily involved the infratemporal space and extended into the middle cranial fossa, and began with only ocular symptoms. The surgical management is emphasized, illustrating the approach to the infratemporal fossa through a wide osteotomy of the coronoid process of the mandible without the need for mandibular split.     

The infratemporal fossa approach for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the skull base and nasopharynx.

The infratemporal fossa approach to the skull base is an established method of treating neoplasms of this region. The type C variation has proved an effective means of removing adenoid cystic carcinoma invading the infratemporal fossa and skull base from the nasopharynx. A classification of these tumors is proposed, the surgical technique is described, and the results are given in this article.     

颞下窝肿瘤切除术患者的围手术期护理

目的 探讨颞下窝肿瘤切除术围手术期护理要点及术后潜在并发症的预防。方法 通过对1例颞下窝肿瘤切除术后并发症的观察及对症护理,总结颞下窝肿瘤切除术后常见并发症及相应护理对策。结果 患者顺利康复出院,围手术期并发症处理满意。结论 对颞下窝肿瘤切除患者,实施科学有效的护理,是手术成功、预防并发症的重要保证。     

头颈部基底细胞腺瘤的临床分析

目的　分析9例头颈部基底细胞腺瘤的临床表现以及治疗效果。方法　回顾分析本科2007年3月～2016年1月经病理确诊的9例基底细胞腺瘤患者的临床资料。男性3例,女性6例,中位年龄48.9岁（22～65岁）。其中发生于腮腺5例,左上颌窦及颞下窝1例,鼻咽部及翼腭窝1例,鼻前庭1例,鼻中隔1例。结果　发生于鼻咽部及翼腭窝的患者并发鼻-鼻窦炎要求保守仅行鼻窦开放术局部活检病理,其余8例均行手术治疗。术后随访1～10年,其中发生于左上颌窦及颞下窝者术后1.5年复发,余均未见复发及恶变。结论  基底细胞腺瘤较少见,临床表现及影像学检查对其鉴别诊断有一定帮助,确诊须依靠病理结果。手术切除可获得较好疗效,预后良好。     

颞下窝-翼腭窝-咽旁间隙肿瘤手术进路探讨

目的：探讨如何选择最佳手术进路切除颞下窝-翼腭窝-咽旁间隙肿瘤,以提高疗效,减少并发症和后遗症。方法：回顾性分析66例颞下窝、翼腭窝、咽旁间隙肿瘤患者,包括组织学诊断、影像学检查及手术人路。结果：50例良性肿瘤患者术后随访2～5年,均无复发;16例恶性肿瘤患者,术后随访2～5年,生存期不足1年4例,2～4年8例,5年及以上4例。结论：扩大上颌骨切除术适于上颌窦原发恶性肿瘤侵及翼腭窝、颞下窝和（或）咽旁间隙的患者;面正中揭翻术适于鼻腔、鼻窦、鼻咽及翼腭窝良性肿瘤及局限的恶性肿瘤患者;颈侧高位切开下颌骨外旋人路术适于咽旁间隙肿瘤累及翼腭窝和（或）颞下窝的患者;颈颌径路-下颌骨截骨术适于咽旁间隙-颞下窝良、恶件肿瘤侵犯侧颅底及翼腭窝的患者。     

High-pressure grease injury of the face

We describe a rare case of high-pressure grease injury of the face in a 48-year-old man with severe facial edema, soft palate swelling, and bleeding from the nose and mouth. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple low-density areas in nasal cavity, subcutaneous tissue of the cheek, soft palate, right maxillary sinus, and right infratemporal fossa. The patient complained of a dyspnea feeling, and immediate tracheostomy was performed. The grease was removed by the Caldwell-Luc incision approach but was partially left in the infratemporal fossa. After the operation, the patient still complained cheek and temporal pain. CT and magnetic resonance imaging were useful to diagnose the remaining grease, and the remnant of the grease was completely removed by the Weber-Fergusson incision approach.     

Combined infratemporal fossa and transfacial approach to excising massive tumors.

Massive tumors of the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossa are usually resected via the Fisch type C infratemporal fossa approach. This approach provides the surgeon with wide enough access to safely remove massive tumors, and it allows excellent control of the internal carotid artery without leaving facial scars. The disadvantages of this approach include a total loss of hearing on the affected side and the risk of damage to the facial nerve. The Fisch type D infratemporal preauricular approach provides a limited access to tumors, but it does preserve hearing. We studied the practice of combining the Fisch type D approach with a transfacial, transmaxillary approach. This allows the removal of massive tumors of the area without the necessity of resorting to the type C approach and the resultant loss of hearing and the possibility of facial paralysis. The flexibility of the type D infratemporal fossa approach allows the surgeon to combine it with transmaxillary, transmandibular, and periorbital approaches to remove tumors of all sizes from the infratemporal fossa, pterygopalatine fossa, parapharyngeal space, and orbit.     

Yahel's syndrome. Apropos of an unusual case of a foreign body lodged in the pterygo-maxillary fossa]

The authors report and discuss the clinical and radiological features of a foreign body stuck in the infratemporal fossa (Yahel's syndrome). Access to the infratemporal fossa was gained using the modified Pellerin-Donazzan procedure.