Lateral pterygoid myositis: A case of severe referred otalgia

A 17-Year-old With Trismus and Neck Pain

“…11 CT may be useful to identify traumatic etiologies including hematomas, but MRI is more appropriate for the evaluation of soft tissue, cranial nerves, early abscesses, and coexisting regional inflammatory processes such as osteomyelitis. 4,11,12 In our case, the patient experienced pain, which was aggravated by jaw opening and chewing, and exhibited severe limitations in mouth opening. USG and CT examination were not diagnostic, but MRI showed an abnormal enhancement of the left mediallateral pterygoid muscle.…”

“…4 The very few reported cases of lateral pterygoid myositis occurred as a complication of dental infection. 4,5 Odontogenic infections arising in the maxilla tend to spread first to the masticator space. 5 Dentoalveolar infections are one of the most common diseases in the oral region.…”

“…Infectious pyomyositis of neck region muscles are characterized by fever, facial pain, swelling, and tenderness and is a potential life-threatening condition. 4 It may occur in any muscle but usually involves the medial or lateral pterygoid muscles, which play an important role in the control of jaw movement necessary for mastication by acting together to lower the mandible and open the jaw. 5,6 Therefore, if either muscle is affected for any reason, it will result in trismus.…”

“…Medial pterygoid myositis is typically associated with traumatic injury or dental infection. 4 The very few reported cases of lateral pterygoid myositis occurred as a complication of dental infection. 4,5 Odontogenic infections arising in the maxilla tend to spread first to the masticator space.…”