Denervation atrophy of the masticatory muscles in a patient with nasopharyngeal cancer: MR examinations before and after radiotherapy.
We report on a patient with denervation atrophy of the masticatory muscles due to nasopharyngeal cancer who received therapeutic irradiation. Magnetic resonance imaging has significantly contributed to aid diagnosis of this pathology. Masticatory muscle atrophy should be a definitive finding of perineural invasion caused by head and neck tumors. Radiologists should be familiar with this appearance to avoid confusion with tumor invasion of the muscle.
Ariji
Y
Y
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, University School of Dentistry, Nagoya, Japan. ariji@dpc.aichi-gakuin.ac.jp
Fuwa
N
N
Tachibana
H
H
Ariji
E
E
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000209:etiology*; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009410:Nerve Degeneration; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage