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Acute Auricular Perichondritis With an Effusion
Agnes Usoro1, Michael R Ehmann1
1Johns Hopkins, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|November 26, 2019
Summary
Acute swelling of the ear in a 62-year-old man was diagnosed as perichondritis with effusion. Prompt treatment with oral antibiotics is crucial to prevent cartilage damage and ear deformity.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Perichondritis, an inflammation of the ear's cartilage lining, can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Early recognition is key to preventing avascular cartilage necrosis and auricular deformity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of acute perichondritis with effusion.
- To emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and management of auricular inflammation.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of a 62-year-old male with acute, atraumatic left ear swelling.
- Diagnostic procedures included incision and drainage to analyze the effusion.
- Management involved the prescription of oral antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Incision and drainage yielded serous fluid, with no blood or purulence detected.
- The patient was diagnosed with acute perichondritis with an effusion.
- Treatment with oral antibiotics was initiated.
Conclusions:
- Acute perichondritis requires prompt recognition and intervention.
- Delayed treatment can result in necrosis of avascular cartilage and permanent auricular deformity.
- Effective management, including oral antibiotics, can prevent adverse outcomes.
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