Zygomatic abscess with temporal myositis - a rare extracranial complication of acute otitis media

Case series: Noninfectious myositis of temporal muscle: a report of 2 cases

BACKGROUND

Noninfectious myositis (NIM) of the masticatory muscles is uncommon local myalgia disorder persisted by a centrally-mediated neurogenic mechanism. Due to the rarity of this condition and the lack of appropriate data regarding it, diagnosing this pathology when it affects the temporal muscle (TM) is challenging.

CASE PRESENTATION

Clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic process, and treatment outcome of 2 rare cases of NIM of the TM were presented. The signs and symptoms of the patients were not pathognomonic. There were restrictions on the mouth opening and lateral excursion of the mandible. The duration of the symptoms may not be chronic. The findings of clinical evaluation may indicate the diagnosis of anterior disc displacement (DD) without reduction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or local myalgia. Swelling of the involved muscle could be evident and identified on palpation depending on the involved site of myositis. The axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was important for the accurate diagnosis of this rare condition. Application of non-surgical conservative treatment modalities such as administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics for a sufficient period of time, control of oral parafunctional habits, and jaw exercises were effective for the management of NIM of the TM.

CONCLUSION

A thorough clinical examination and MR imaging including the axial T2-weighted view are required for accurate diagnosis and effective management of NIM of the TM.

Zygomatic air cells in connection with Luc's abscess

INTRODUCTION

An uncommon complication of Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a subperiosteal temporal infection known as Luc's abscess. Zygomatic air cells (ZACs) are an uncommon anatomic variant.

CASE SERIES

Two otherwise healthy male patients, aged six- and thirteen years-old presented with unilateral otalgia, swelling, trismus, and fever. Imaging revealed Luc's abscess near ZACs. Antibiotics, drainage and myringotomy tubes resulted in a full recovery.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the spread of soft tissue infection through the Notch of Rivinus, the presence of ZACs may provide a pathway for suppurative effusion and development into Luc's abscess.

Clinical features and management of Luc's abscess: Case report and systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Luc's abscess is a rare complication of acute otitis media, with a challenging diagnosis and a controversial surgical treatment. The aim of the present study was to review the published literature in order to clarify the clinical features and the surgical management of those patients.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was carried out for published reports or case series in English language, describing a temporo-zygomatic (or Luc's) abscess which complicated an acute or chronic otitis media and/or mastoiditis, confirmed through CT scan or MRI of the petrous bone. The collected clinical and radiological data were merged and critically appraised.

RESULTS

Eighteen reports of Luc's abscess were included. Adding our case report, a total of 21 cases were included in the analysis. Abscess drainage plus myringotomy alone vs. abscess drainage plus myringotomy and mastoidectomy were the two surgical management approaches described in the literature. Patients undergoing first line mastoidectomy were successfully treated in all cases, while among those undergoing a more conservative approach, one failure required subsequent mastoidectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical features of Luc's abscess are rather constant and help in rising the suspicion before the radiological diagnosis. Although cases with associated intra-cranic complications have been reported, the limited existing data do not permit to advocate the mastoidectomy over a more conservative surgical approach. However, the decision to avoid mastoidectomy as the first line surgical treatment should be based on the clinical and radiologic assessment, after an accurate counseling, particularly in the case of a pediatric patient.

Pneumatization of the zygomatic process of temporal bone on computed tomograms

PURPOSE

Zygomatic air cells (ZAC) are a variant of temporal bone pneumatization that needs no treatment. However, ZAC can have an impact on surgical procedures in the temporo-mandibular joint region. Recent reports suggest that computed tomography will disclose more ZAC than can be diagnosed on panoramic radiography. The aim of this study was to analyze ZAC prevalence on CT in a population that was not pre-selected by admission to a dental clinic. Furthermore, an extensive literature review was performed to assess the prevalence of ZAC and to address the impact of imaging technique on the definition of the item.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Digitalized cranial CTs of 2007 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The Frankfort horizontal was used to define a ZAC on sagittal CTs.

RESULTS

In this study group, 806 were female (40.16%) and 1,201 were male (59.84%). Mean age was 49.96 years in the whole group (female: 55.83 years, male: 46.01 years). A ZAC was diagnosed in 152 patients (female: 66, male: 86). Unilateral ZAC surpasses bilateral findings (115 vs. 37 patients). ZAC were diagnosed in children 5 years of age and older. Sectional imaging techniques show a better visualization of the region of interest. However, presently an increase of ZAC prevalence attributable to imaging technique cannot conclusively be derived from the current literature. The normal finding of a ZAC on radiograms is a sharply defined homogenous transparent lesion restricted to the zygomatic process of the temporal bone that has no volume effect on the shape of the process.

CONCLUSION

ZAC is an anatomical variant of the temporal bone that has come into focus of maxillofacial radiology due to its noticeable aspect on panoramic radiograms. The harmless variant can be expected in about one in thirteen individuals undergoing facial radiology. Panoramic radiograms appear to be sufficient to present ZAC of relevant size. However, in preparation for surgical procedures affecting the articular eminence the application of sectional images is recommended.