Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension. Case report.

The authors report the unusual presentation of an intracranial extension of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint. The patient presented with a peripheral facial nerve paralysis and anacusis. Computerized tomography revealed the lesion, but fine-needle biopsy was inconclusive. Craniotomy with removal of the tumor was performed, and pathological studies confirmed the diagnosis. The facial nerve dysfunction was thought to be secondary to direct neural compression.