Hydatid cyst of the pterygopalatine-infratemporal fossa

Abstract

Hydatid disease is caused by the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus. This parasite in larval stage can thrive in many parts of the body, most commonly in the liver and the lung. Hydatid disease in the head and neck region is rare. An unusual location for hydatid disease in the pterygopalatine fossa-infratemporal fossa is presented. The patient did not have evidence of any other cyst on a ten-year follow-up.

Primary hydatid cyst in the soft tissue of the face: An exceptional occurrence

“…(3) Complete removal of the cyst including the innermost germinative layer, which can produce scolices, if left out. [59] There was complete cyst removal with no rupture and spillage of cyst contents in the present case. After 22 months of surgery, the patient has no evidence of recurrence and is completely disease and symptom free.…”

“…In the head and neck region, few case reports of hydatid cysts involving the parotid gland, parapharyngeal space, infratemporal fossa, maxillary sinus and pterygopalatine fossa have been reported in the literature. [5] Till date, only one case of hydatid cyst has been reported involving the subcutaneous tissue of the face primarily without any other site involvement. [6]…”

Unusual Presentation of Hydatid Cyst in Cervical Region

“…13 The serologic tests including direct hemagglutination, latex agglutination, immunoelectrophoresis, skin tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are widely used to confirm diagnosis, although they are associated with false-negative and false-positive results. 11,14 In our case, serological test was not considered as the ultrasonography and CECT showed typical features of hydatid lesion and its location help in more accurate diagnosis. The ultrasound, CT, and MRI have recently become the most sensitive of diagnostic modalities.…”

Removal of a Maxillary Third Molar Displaced into Pterygopalatine Fossa via Intraoral Approach

“…The cone beam volumetric tomography scan showed clearly that the displaced tooth was just barely stuck inside the pterygopalatine fossa. Because the pterygopalatine fossa encloses vital structures, further displacement could have potential symptoms associated with involvement of the neurovascular structures and pterygopalatine muscles, such as trismus, lateral pharyngeal swelling, hypoesthesia, proptosis, diplopia, pain, and nasal obstruction [9, 10]. Due to being dislodged into the pterygopalatine fossa area, immediate surgery was planned as the patient was referred to our clinic, so as to prevent damage and further complication risks.…”