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Temporalis and masseter hypertrophy

Case contributed by: Dr Prashant Gupta

Presentation:

bilateral painless temporal and facial swellings

Patient Data:

Age: 36
Gender: Female
Race: Indian/Pakistani
From the case: Temporalis and masseter hypertrophy
Modality: MRI

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T2

Case Discussion:

Bilateral temporalis and masseter muscles are hypertrophic resulting in "pseudomasses".Commonly seen in anxious individuals with "bruxism" and in chronic gum chewing.

unilateral occurence and isolated temporalis/masseter enlargement has also been reported but is rare.

Somtimes gives a "threatening" appearance to the face, this can create morpho-psychological conflict in a gentle individual resulting in the "minotaur syndrome"

References:

  1. Pary A, Pary K. Masseteric hypertrophy: considerations regarding treatment planning decisions and introduction of a novel surgical technique. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 2011;69 (3): 944-9. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2010.06.205 - Pubmed citation
  2. Chrispal A, Boorugu HK. Benign masticatory muscle hypertrophy. J Assoc Physicians India. 2009;57 : 764. - Pubmed citation
  3. Morselli PG. Temporalis muscle hypertrophy: a new plastic surgery procedure. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 2000;106 (5): 1156-61. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. (link) - Pubmed citation

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