Bilateral External Ear Canal Duplication: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Bilateral external ear canal duplication is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Recurrent postauricular abscesses, otorrhea, and conductive hearing loss presented in an 8-year-old female.
• Previous treatments for abscesses provided limited long-term relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation and surgical management of bilateral external ear canal duplication.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for optimal patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination, audiometry, and head CT scan were utilized for diagnosis.
• Surgical exploration and excision of the duplicated ear canals were performed via postauricular incisions.
• Postoperative follow-up assessed for complications and symptom recurrence.

Main Results:

• Surgical excision successfully removed cystic masses, cartilaginous remnants, and fibrotic tissue.
• The patient experienced uneventful wound healing with no recurrence of otorrhea or abscesses within 12 weeks.
• Audiometry indicated asymmetric hearing, with mild-to-moderate conductive hearing loss in the left ear.

Conclusions:

• Surgical intervention is effective in managing the complications associated with external ear canal duplication.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric patients.
• This case underscores the need for vigilance in identifying and treating rare congenital ear anomalies.