Solitary fibrous tumor of the infratemporal fossa: A case report

First described as a pleural neoplasm, the solitary fibrous tumor (fibrous mesothelioma) has been reported in a number of extrapulmonary sites, including the Head-Neck region. In the Head-Neck region, it has been described in the sinonasal tract, epiglottis, parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal spaces, parotid and infratemporal fossa. We present the second case of solitary fibrous tumor of infratemporal fossa described in world literature. A complete excision was achieved by transmaxillary approach.     

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.     

Endoscopic anatomical study of the trans-lateral molar approach to the infratemporal fossa

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is located deep in the skull base. Recently, the endoscopic transoral approach has enabled maxillofacial surgeons to...     

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.     

Endoscopic transnasal transpterygopalatine fossa approach to the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus

OBJECTIVES: Lesions affecting the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus are rarely discussed in the literature as a separate entity. This region is difficult to visualize and manipulate through the transnasal routes, especially when extensive pneumatization is present. External approaches to this area involve extensive surgery and are associated with significant morbidity. The objectives of this study are to present our experience with the endoscopic transpterygopalatine fossa approach as a method for exposing and manipulating lesions of the lateral recess of the sphenoid and to illustrate the detailed surgical steps of the procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Clinical charts of patients who had lesions originating from or extending into the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus and who were treated at our institutions from September 1995 to June 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. All these patients were managed by the endoscopic transpterygopalatine fossa approach. RESULTS: Twelve patients (7 males and 5 females) were included in the study. Lesions included seven cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and five tumors. One patient with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the sphenoid died of his disease. All CSF leaks were successfully repaired, and benign tumors were removed with good local control through the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic transpterygopalatine fossa approach is an excellent approach for dealing with lesions of the sphenoid lateral recess.     

颞下窝、翼腭窝占位性病变微创手术治疗(附4例报告)

目的探讨颞下窝、翼腭窝占位性病变的微创手术治疗的可行性。方法回顾性分析2004年5月—2007年2月我科收治的内镜下经鼻入路手术治疗的4例颞下窝、翼腭窝占位性病变患者的临床资料,其中神经纤维瘤3例,神经鞘瘤1例。结果该入路术中病变暴露良好。3例1次手术完全切除,1例因术中出血过多分两次完成次全切除手术。1例出现术后脑脊液耳漏,保守治疗5天后痊愈。术后随访12～45个月无复发和死亡。结论内镜经鼻入路对经过严格选择的颞下窝、翼腭窝占位性病变能够做到安全、有效、微创切除。     

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.     

Neuro-otologic surgery through minimally invasive retrosigmoid approach: endoscope assisted microvascular decompression, vestibular neurotomy, and tumor removal

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the efficacy of the endoscope assisted minimally invasive retrosigmoid approach. Study Design: Retrospective study and literature review. Methods: From December 1993 to December 2004, a total of 1,177 cases of endoscope assisted minimally invasive retrosigmoid approach were performed at the Otorhinolaryngology unit of Hopital Nord in Marseille. By using this approach, we performed microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia, vestibular neurotomy for refractory Ménière's disease with repeated attacks of dizziness, and tumor removal of acoustic neurinoma. We examined the results and postoperative complications. Results: All the results were positive, and we did not experience any mortal complications. The most common complication was cerebrospinal fluid leakage, encountered in 42 (3.6%) cases. Conclusions: We believe that the combination of an endoscope and microscope that provides accurate information with low invasion is becoming indispensable for these types of operations, which are in the category of functional surgery. We report the merits and significance of the approach of combining the endoscope and microscope and discuss the operational technique to perform a minimally invasive surgery as an oto‐neurosurgeon.     

Simultaneous contralateral vestibular schwannoma and glomus jugulare tumor: a case report

To the best of our knowledge, only 3 cases of a simultaneous vestibular schwannoma and a glomus jugulare tumor have been previously reported in the literature. In all 3 cases, the lesions were located on the same side. We report a new case of simultaneous vestibular schwannoma and glomus jugulare tumor that is unique in that the two lesions arose on opposite sides. The glomus tumor was treated with embolization followed by radiotherapy, while the schwannoma was managed via radiologic observation.     

Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the infratemporal fossa: a rare case and review

Although it represents the second most common neoplasm of the head and neck, lymphoma is generally not surgically managed and thus may be less familiar to otolaryngologists than other malignancies. However, otolaryngologists are often involved in the initial diagnosis, and should be aware of unusual presentations and the main lymphoma subtypes. We present a case of an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, an indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype. This type of lymphoma most commonly occurs in the stomach, but was found in the infratemporal fossa. This is the first report of an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma occurring in this location.