[The clinical features and treatment outcomes of primary inflammatory lesions in infratemporal fossa: a report of 10 cases].

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of inflammatory lesions originated from the infratemporal fossa with clinical suspicion of malignancy, and provide clinical reference for treatment and outcomes for this rare disease. Methods:Clinical information of 10 cases diagnosed with infratemporal fossa masses from July 2013 to July 2022 in Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative imaging studies in these patients suggested the possibility of malignancy. They underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery procedures. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed inflammatory lesions. Among 10 patients, there were seven males and three females ranged from 22 to 73 years old（54.4±16.3）. Intravenous antibiotics were postoperatively administered for 3-5 days and oral antibiotics for 4-8 weeks were given with regular follow-up. Results:The follow-up duration ranged from 7 to 34 months. Among the 10 patients, 6 had complete or near-complete resolution of clinical symptoms, with imaging studies showing near-total resolution of the lesions; 2 patients showed significant symptom improvement with marked reduction in lesion extent on imaging; and 2 patients demonstrated minimal symptomatic improvement. Conclusion:Inflammatory lesions originating in the infratemporal fossa may share several imaging features with malignant tumors, including indistinct borders, infiltrative growth, bone destruction, and significant enhancement. Consequently, they are commonly misdiagnosed, and the final diagnosis is often confirmed by pathology. Moreover, the etiology and prognostic factors remain unclear. Therefore, clinicians should maintain a high degree of vigilance for this entity and provide prompt treatment.