Infratemporal pneumatocele arising from maxillary sinus

Pneumatocele of the infratemporal fossa caused by herniation of air through a break in the wall of the aerated maxillary sinus is rare. Two cases are reported: one arising from a maxillary pneumocele with a defect in the wall of the zygomatic recess and one associated with maxillary radionecrosis with pathological fracture complicated by infection. Computed tomography can clearly demonstrate the extent of the pneumatocele, and can show the maxillary pathology and the causative bony defect in the sinus. Treatment depends on the clinical conditions of the patient, the pathology and the size of the bony defect.