Ultrasonic diagnosis of masseteric hypertrophy.

Abstract

Masseteric hypertrophy may present a diagnostic dilemma, its confirmation frequently being by exclusion of other conditions. The literature relating to this syndrome is reviewed. A study to confirm the suitability of ultrasound in diagnosis, and to establish a normal range, is described. Sixty-two masseter muscles were measured using a standardized technique and the derived normal range for transverse dimension was 8.5-13.5 mm. Three instances of clinically diagnosed masseteric hypertrophy were examined; in each case measured transverse masseteric dimension was significantly greater than the normal range. Direct ultrasonic measurement of masseteric bulk should replace computed tomography as the definitive investigation in suspected cases.

Evaluation measure of 3d volumetry of masseter hypertrophy: association with modalities of imaging

“…However, Morse & Brown [9] proposed that a panoramic radiograph or anterior-posterior projection of the mandible in association with US images of the masseter muscle and parotid gland is enough for diagnosis of HM, thus avoiding the need for more expensive and invasive procedures such as CT and sialography, respectively. Still, according to these authors, US has a major diagnostic value for measuring the cross-sectional dimension of the masseter muscle when relaxed.…”

“…Still, according to these authors, US has a major diagnostic value for measuring the cross-sectional dimension of the masseter muscle when relaxed. Moreover, the US examination of the masseter muscle should be performed simultaneously with that of the parotid glands in order to eliminate possible pathologies in the glandular region, since it allows to easily distinguish soft tissues, which is not always possible with CT [9].…”

“…According to the author, US images are not only efficient and accessible, but can also be applied for morphometric characterisation of objective parameters (i.e. thickness, volume, cross-sectional area and length) and dynamic evaluation of muscles [9]. Obtaining reference values allows variables to be compared, thus guiding the diagnosis and treatment of possible changes in the stomatognathic complex.…”

The Use of Ultrasound in the Investigation of the Muscles of Mastication

“…These differences in results may be due to different techniques or age of the individuals used in these studies. Several studies have reported that under contraction the thickness increases significantly (Bakke et al 1992;Kiliaridis and Kälebo 1991;Kubo et al 2006;Morse and Brown 1990;Pereira et al 2006;Raadsheer et al 1994). Kubo et al (2006) demonstrated that not only does the masseter thickness increase with contraction but its volume also increases as a whole.…”

Ultrasonographic Findings of Masseter Muscle in Females With Temporomandibular Disorders

“…9Y11 The studies show that direct ultrasonic measurement of masseteric body should replace CT as the definitive evaluation in suspected cases. 12 Also, US shows the internal structure of the muscle more clearly than does CT. 8 The studies show that US in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging and CT is a reliable procedure in the measurement of masseter muscle thickness, and no conclusive evidence of adverse biological effects of using ultrasound energy at diagnostic power levels has been reported yet. 9 Although there have been many studies regarding the use of US for evaluating the masseter muscle in healthy volunteers and patients with inflammation or tumors, the features are not well documented in patients with TMD.…”