Pterygomaxillary extension of orbital pseudotumor. Case report

Idiopatic pseudotumor (IP) is a non-specific, non-neoplastic, inflammatory process without identifiable local or systemic causes. IP most commonly affects the orbit, comprising 5% to 8% of all orbital masses with occasional extension to other areas of the skull base. The ophthalmology literature has detailed reviews of IP as a space-occupying intraorbital lesion, but lesion involving only the skull base and sparing the orbit is exceptional. Understanding the presentation, work-up, and characteristics of the lesion is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. We report a rare case of orbital IP with extension into infratemporal fossa. Clinical and radiological findings and surgical approach are discussed.