Objective

This is the first report of multifocal inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) involving the temporal bone, orbit and paranasal sinus, and the use of rituximab as adjunctive therapy in multifocal temporal bone IPT.

Patient

We describe a 46-year-old man with orbital and maxillary sinus IPT, whose disease progressed despite radiation and steroid burst. He then developed contralateral mastoid disease, otalgia, aural fullness, and hearing loss.

Intervention

He was initiated on rituximab and prednisone therapy. Mastoidectomy with near-total tumor removal was accomplished and histopathology confirmed IPT. A literature review was also performed.

Main outcome measure

Tumor regression or recurrence.

Result

Despite disease progression after radiation and steroids, his orbital, sinus, and mastoid disease improved after surgery, steroids, and rituximab. A review of four other previously reported cases of multifocal disease involving the temporal bone suggest that multifocal disease may be a more aggressive entity with higher recurrence rate compared with solitary disease. Although surgery and steroids are typically recommended, there is currently no consensus treatment recommendation.

Conclusions

Multifocal IPT of the temporal bone is a rare but aggressive entity for which surgery and steroid combination therapy should be first line treatment. We suggest rituximab may be an effective adjunctive treatment particularly for recurrent disease or where systemic therapy may be favored.