MRI characterization of temporomandibular joint synovial cysts: A case presentation with a brief review of the literature

Abstract

Temporomandibular joint synovial cysts pose diagnostic challenges due to their rare occurrence and clinical resemblance to other cystic lesions. This study presents an 84-year-old male with a histopathologically confirmed synovial cyst in the temporomandibular joint. The magnetic resonance imaging delineated a homogeneous unilocular lesion with hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted and proton-density images. Notably, the cyst demonstrated dynamic displacement within the mandibular fossa during mouth opening. The aim of this study was to report the magnetic resonance imaging findings of a case presenting a temporomandibular joint synovial cyst and to provide a concise review of pertinent cases documented in the existing literature for comparative purposes. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.