Tumoral calcinosis in the temporomandibular joint with resorption of the condyle and mandibular fossa

Abstract

Tumoral calcinosis (TC) refers to calcium salt deposition around large joints. It rarely affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and only eight cases have been reported to date. We describe a case of TC in the left TMJ with resorption of the condyle and mandibular fossa. A 37-year-old woman complaining of malocclusion and a painless swelling around the left TMJ was referred to our hospital. The patient's medical history included Sjogren's syndrome and systemic sclerosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed calcification with a maximum diameter of 25 mm and resorption of the condyle and mandibular fossa. A clinical diagnosis of tophaceous pseudogout was made on the basis of these findings. The calcification was removed, and the TMJ was reconstructed under general anesthesia using a total TMJ replacement system. Pathological examination revealed TC. The patient was considered to have secondary TC based on the patient's medical history and results of additional blood tests. At six months post-operation, the patient had stable occlusion without TC recurrence.

Keywords

• Calcification
• Temporomandibular joint
• Tumoral calcinosis