[Pure trigeminal motor neuropathy presenting with temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction in a patient with HIV and HCV infections]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2006 Jan;162(1):92-4. doi: 10.1016/s0035-3787(06)74987-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Pure trigeminal motor neuropathy (PTMN) is a rarely described condition. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV1) and hepatitis C virus who presented with weakness of left temporalis and masseter muscles and painful left temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) a few months after cerebral toxoplasmosis revealing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe wasting and fat replacement of the left temporalis, pterygoid and masseter muscles and showed neither abnormalities in the left motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve nor compression of the left trigeminal nerve. Electromyographic examination gave evidence of denervation in the left temporalis, masseter and pterygoid muscles and blink reflex studies were normal, confirming the diagnosis of PTMN which was probably secondary to HIV and HCV co-infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Adult
  • Denervation
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Masticatory Muscles / innervation
  • Masticatory Muscles / pathology
  • Masticatory Muscles / physiopathology
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Muscular Atrophy / etiology
  • Muscular Atrophy / pathology
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / etiology*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / pathology
  • Trigeminal Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Trigeminal Nerve Diseases / pathology