Masticator Space Abscess: A Case Report

Abstract

Different neoplasms and infections are known to involve the masticator space, but pathological diagnosis and treatment of these lesions are not always simple due to anatomical complexity. We treated a 65- year-old woman with an abscess in the masticator space suffering from trismus and swelling over left cheek region and left-TMJ pain, which was initially diagnosed as a superficial cheek abscess. Masticator space abscesses have been reported more frequently in recent years. They are usually secondary to extractions of the first and second mandibular molar teeth Therefore, Successful aspiration of pus was followed by an instantaneous improvement in the ability to open the mouth for a period of at least 24 hours. The infection had spread upward along the mastication muscles, resulting in an abscess in both the upper masseter muscle and the lower temporalis muscle. Based on a review of the literature, most abscesses in the masticator space originate from the mandibular molar, while the most impressive physical finding varied between the submandibular region and temporal fossa, as did its acute or chronic clinical course. We emphasize diagnostic significance when assessing findings for each masticator muscle and mandibular bone depicted using computed tomography.