Radiological and clinical differential diagnostics of CPPD in the temporomandibular joint extending into the cranium: Insights from the literature and a rare clinical case

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare but occasionally appears locally destructive. Various radiological techniques are available for differential diagnosis. We present the case of a 66-year-old man with long-standing, painful, unilateral TMJ swelling. Radiological imaging showed a mass with calcifications, erosion of the articular roof and invasion of the middle cranial fossa. Differential diagnoses included CPPD, tenosynovial giant cell tumor, synovial chondromatosis, chondrosarcoma, and osteochondroma. A biopsy confirmed CPPD, followed by resection of the lesion and immediate TMJ reconstruction with a patient-specific prosthesis. Benign and malignant TMJ lesions extending into the cranium are uncommon and their radiological differentiation remains challenging. Therefore, we performed a scoping review focusing on TMJ imaging allowing differential diagnosis of CPPD. • Radiologically differentiating tumors of the temporomandibular joint is challenging. • Benign tumors of the temporomandibular joint extending into the cranium are rare. • Calcium PyroPhosphate Deposition disease can be locally destructive in the TMJ. • CBCT and MRI commonly used in radiological differentiation and surgical planning.