Infratemporal Fossa Abscess Managed by Nasal Endoscopic Drainage Using a Navigation System

Abstract

The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is an area surrounded by bony structures and contains vital organs. Although a large abscess in the ITF is not common, it requires prompt surgical management. Recently, the authors had a patient who presented with fever, pain, and trismus. The patient was diagnosed with an abscess in the ITF, although the authors were not able to determine the exact cause of the infection. The lesion was accessed through the posterolateral maxillary wall using nasal endoscopy with a navigation system. The abscess was safely drained through a small bony window. This case suggests that the nasal endoscopic approach, combined with the use of a navigation system, allows for an easy and safe surgical approach to the ITF. In addition, the authors’ observations indicate that minimal mucosal thickening without definite evidence of sinusitis could result in an abscess in the ITF in immune-compromised patients, as was the case with the authors’ patients.