Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Temporal Bone and Parapharyngeal Space: A Clinical Case

Abstract

We present the case of a 42-year-old female who experienced gradually worsening pain in the left ear, accompanied by hearing impairment and occasional ear discharge. These lesions rarely occur in the temporal bone. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance scans identified a mass of soft tissue located in the left mastoid, with intracranial invasion and mastoid erosion. Initial treatment involved surgery followed by histopathology, which confirmed the diagnosis of a plasma cell granuloma, also known as an inflammatory pseudotumor. After surgery, the pseudotumor invaded the ipsilateral parapharyngeal space and became surgically inaccessible. Steroid therapy and radiotherapy were proceeded with. When feasible, aggressive surgical intervention is advised as the primary treatment, supplemented by steroids and radiation therapy for persistent or recurrent conditions. At the last follow-up, the patient was not completely free of disease but symptom-free and in good general health.

Cite this article as: D’Orazio F, Falcioni M, Waskiewicz J, Tredici M, Khoury C, Mancini C. Inflammatory pseudotumor of the temporal bone and parapharyngeal space: a clinical case. J Int Adv Otol. 2025, 21(4), 1790, doi: 10.5152/jiao.2025.241790.