Tophaceous pseudogout of the temporomandibular joint with erosion into the middle cranial fossa

Abstract

This report presents a case of extensive tophaceous pseudogout involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing erosion into the middle cranial fossa. Pseudogout is a benign metabolic arthropathy caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition within joints and peri-articular tissue. Pseudogout more frequently occurs in large joints such as the knee, wrist, symphysis pubis, and shoulder. Tophaceous pseudogout involving the TMJ is rare, with only seven cases involving erosion into the middle cranial fossa reported previously. Despite skull base erosion being a rare consequence of this erosive disease, this case highlights the importance of appropriate investigation and multidisciplinary team management.