[Role of computed tomography in the radiologic exploration of the pterygomaxillary fossa].

The authors show the interest of C.T. examination of pterygo-maxillary region, principally in the pre-therapeutic staging of the maxillo-facial neoplasy. The anatomical division of the fossa in four regions (pterygoïd muscle area, lateropharyngeal area, pterygo-palatine fossa and retro-maxillary-malar area) can be easily applied to C.T. study. Cuts must be taken axially, in the orbito-meatal plane, and coronally always if possible, before and after administration of contrast medium. Six, out of thirty six cases studied were demonstrative. It appears that C.T. examination must be performed immediately after conventional radiology in the staging of maxillo-facial neoplasy. It shows with considerable accuracy not only the bony involvement, but also the extension in the soft tissues (interest of the densitometric study of fat) and aeric structures. It sometimes brings the solution of special clinical problems (Trismus, neuralgia of the facial nerve).