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Auricular ossificans (ectopic ossification of the auricle)
P Craig Stites1, Alan S Boyd, John Zic
1Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Auricular ossificans, or ossification of the ear, is a rare condition often caused by severe frostbite. This case report details a unilateral instance, highlighting the need for further research into this unusual clinical entity.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Petrified auricle (auricular ossificans) is a rare condition characterized by ear rigidity.
- It can result from trauma, inflammation, or systemic diseases, most commonly due to ectopic calcification or ossification.
- Severe hypothermia (frostbite) is the most frequent cause of auricular ossificans.
Observation:
- This report presents a case of unilateral auricular ossificans.
- The condition was suspected to be secondary to cold injury (frostbite).
- Both radiologic and histologic examinations confirmed ectopic ossification.
Findings:
- Auricular ossificans is an uncommon clinical finding with limited reported cases (9 histologically proven).
- Ectopic ossification, particularly following cold injury, is a key pathological process.
- The rarity of this condition leads to a scarcity of treatment guidelines.
Implications:
- This case contributes to the limited literature on auricular ossificans.
- Understanding causative factors like cold injury is crucial for diagnosis and potential prevention.
- Further research is needed to establish effective treatment strategies for this rare condition.