Wegener's granulomatosis of the temporal bone and skull base that mimicked an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour: a case report.

OBJECTIVE

To compare two potential diagnoses of a temporal bone pseudotumour: an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour and Wegener's granulomatosis.

METHODOLOGY: A case of Wegener's granulomatosis that mimicked an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour is reported. The clinical presentation, staging of the disease, histology, and follow-up are analysed.

RESULTS

Histopathology of the temporal bone failed to provide an accurate diagnosis, even after immunocytochemical analyses. The diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis was suspected after biopsy of a pulmonary mass and was confirmed by the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in blood samples.

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of the aetiology, a pseudotumour of the temporal bone should always be investigated by biology and radiology. Radiological investigations will allow staging of the disease and specific localisation for biopsies.