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Acute Non-Traumatic Spontaneous Auricular Hematoma
Michael Mohseni1, Theodore Szymanski1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
The American Journal of Case Reports
|February 17, 2019
Summary
Spontaneous auricular hematomas, though rare, require prompt recognition and surgical drainage. This case highlights the importance of considering non-traumatic causes for acute ear swelling in emergency settings.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Auricular hematomas are common in contact sports but spontaneous cases are rare.
- Acute spontaneous auricular swelling has a limited differential diagnosis.
- Angioedema is a potential consideration alongside trauma and infection.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male presented with acute, non-traumatic left ear pain and swelling.
- Initial assessment suggested an allergic reaction, but an expanding hematoma was identified.
- The patient denied trauma, allergies, or anticoagulant use.
Findings:
- A rare case of spontaneous auricular hematoma was diagnosed.
- Urgent surgical intervention (incision and drainage) was performed.
- The hematoma was successfully treated via incision and drainage.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for prompt recognition of spontaneous auricular hematomas.
- Emergency department providers should consider this diagnosis in acute ear swelling.
- Timely surgical intervention is crucial for large, non-traumatic auricular hematomas.
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