Isolated Unilateral Temporalis Muscle Hypertrophy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Isolated unilateral temporalis muscle hypertrophy is a very rare pathology that nine cases have been reported to date. We report the 10th case of this rare condition and a review of the literature. Swelling of the masticatory muscles may be isolated or may be present together. Reactive and nonreactive causes are accused for the etiology. Significant pathologies accompany non-reactive causes. Some reactive causes are parafunctional jaw habits, excessive gum chewing, and bruxism. Biopsy is the gold standard method of differentiating between reactive and nonreactive causes. The treatment can be tailored according to the biopsy results. Medical treatment, surgery and Botulinum toxin A (BtA) injection are available to treat the reactive causes. BtA therapy is the most effective option. There is no clear information in the literature about the size of swelling in untreated patients. We did not apply an extra treatment after the patient’s biopsy except nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug. The patient is being followed up with no increase in swelling.

Keywords

• Hypertrophy
• masticatory
• swelling
• temporalis muscle