Auricular endochondral pseudocysts: diagnosis and management

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• The auricle is prone to various cystic lesions, often involving spaces between cartilage and perichondrium or within skin and subcutaneous tissues.
• Auricular endochondral pseudocysts are fluid collections within the auricle's cartilage.

Observation:

• Auricular hematomas and pseudocysts may represent a spectrum of traumatic injury and repair.
• Hematomas result from acute trauma causing perichondrial-cartilage separation.
• Pseudocysts may arise from chronic, low-grade trauma, leading to perichondrial separation and regeneration of an outer cartilaginous wall.

Findings:

• The cartilaginous wall of pseudocysts presents unique treatment challenges compared to hematomas.
• A review of case reports suggests a specific treatment protocol for auricular pseudocysts.

Implications:

• Recommended treatment involves incision and drainage, followed by cavity obliteration using curettage, a sclerosing agent, and a pressure dressing.
• More invasive surgical methods are reserved for rare recurrences after appropriate initial treatment.