Pterygopalatine fossa and maxillary nerve infiltration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) may infiltrate the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and the maxillary nerve. This study illustrates involvement of the maxillary nerve in the PPF with perineural spread to the cavernous sinus.


METHODS
One hundred and fourteen patients with proven NPC were studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). The images were retrospectively reviewed for PPF infiltration and maxillary nerve involvement.


RESULTS
Seventeen (15%) patients showed infiltration of the PPF. Four patients had maxillary nerve involvement and a perineural spread to the cavernous sinus. Of the 17 patients with PPF infiltration, 8 (47%) patients showed hypoesthesia in the distribution of the infraorbital nerve. All 4 patients with contrast-enhancement of the maxillary nerve exhibited infraorbital neuropathy.


CONCLUSIONS
Infiltration of the maxillary nerve in the PPF with intracranial spread is uncommon but should be suspected in patients with infraorbital neuropathy. This is important as it affects both prognosis and radiation treatment planning.
Chong
V F
VF
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Fan
Y F
YF
D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008442:Maxillary Nerve / Q000473:pathology*; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary*; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed