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Idiopathic, inflammatory, medial meatal, fibrotising otitis presenting with lichen planus

E Hopsu1, A Pitkäranta

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland. erkki.hopsu@kymshp.fi

The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 14, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Idiopathic, inflammatory, medial meatal, fibrotising otitis may be linked to lichen planus. Early corticosteroid treatment for this ear canal condition can prevent atresia.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Dermatology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Idiopathic, inflammatory, medial meatal, fibrotising otitis is a distinct acquired ear canal disease.
  • Its specific etiology remains unclear.

Observation:

  • Three adult patients with idiopathic, inflammatory, medial meatal, fibrotising otitis were studied.
  • Two patients presented with bilateral symptoms.
  • All patients had severe oral lichen planus.

Findings:

  • Idiopathic, inflammatory, medial meatal, fibrotising otitis affected the external ear canals in these patients.
  • The condition was exclusively observed in the glabrous skin of the osseous part of the ear canals.
  • A correlation was found between this otitis and severe oral lichen planus.

Implications:

  • The pathophysiology of idiopathic, inflammatory, medial meatal, fibrotising otitis may be associated with lichen planus.
  • Prompt treatment with topical corticosteroids could prevent the progression to complete medial meatal atresia.

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