Perichondritis in a Six-Week-Old Pediatric Patient

Perichondritis is an uncommon infection of the auricular cartilage and surrounding tissue, typically seen in older children and adults following trauma or piercing. It is rarely reported in infants, making early recognition and management in this age group essential to prevent complications such as cartilage necrosis and auricular deformity. A six-week-old previously healthy infant presented with erythema, swelling, and tenderness of the left auricle without a history of trauma, insect bite, or recent upper respiratory infection. Initial evaluation revealed signs consistent with perichondritis. Empiric antibiotic therapy was initiated with intravenous anti-pseudomonal and anti-staphylococcal coverage. The patient responded well to intravenous antibiotics, followed by oral therapy, with complete resolution of symptoms and no long-term deformity or recurrence noted at two-week follow-up. Perichondritis in infants is rare and may present without a clear precipitating factor. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial in preventing complications. This case highlights the importance of including perichondritis in the differential diagnosis of auricular swelling in infants, even in the absence of trauma or piercing.