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The variant type of preauricular sinus: postauricular sinus.
Seong Jun Choi1, Yun-Hoon Choung, Keehyun Park
1Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea.
The Laryngoscope
|August 24, 2007
Summary
Variant preauricular sinuses (PAS) present as postauricular swellings. These rare cases, distinct from classical PAS, show unique tract locations and a 0% recurrence rate with dual surgical incisions.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Congenital Malformations
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Preauricular sinuses (PAS) are common congenital ear anomalies.
- Typically located anterior to the external auditory canal (EAC).
- A rare variant type, termed 'postauricular sinuses', presents with posterior swelling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical manifestations of variant preauricular sinuses with the classical type.
- To analyze the incidence, characteristics, and surgical outcomes of postauricular sinuses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of patients undergoing preauricular fistulectomy (2002-2006).
- Categorization into classical (anterior sac) and variant (posterior sac) groups.
- Analysis of incidence, history, clinical presentation, recurrence, and surgical techniques.
Main Results:
- Variant type identified in 10.9% of patients (11/101).
- Variant pits located posterior to the tragus-helix line; tracts directed postero-medially.
- Variant type surgery (dual incision) yielded 0% recurrence vs. 2.2% for classical type.
Conclusions:
- Postauricular swelling may indicate variant preauricular sinuses.
- Variant type has unique pit location posterior to the tragal line.
- Comprehensive examination is crucial to avoid incomplete excision of variant PAS.
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