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Auricular ossification
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|December 5, 1998
Summary
Extensive auricular ossification, a rare cause of the "petrified external ear," can occur due to cold injury. This condition, stony hard subcutaneous tissue, is clinically similar to calcification but requires histological examination for definitive diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Auricular ossification, a rare condition causing the
- petrified external ear,
- is characterized by stony hard subcutaneous tissue.
Observation:
- A patient presented with extensive bilateral auricular ossification and unilateral chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.
Findings:
- Radiological and histological examination confirmed ossification, with no underlying medical conditions identified.
- The ossification is believed to be a consequence of cold injury.
- Auricular ossification is clinically indistinguishable from dystrophic calcification, necessitating histological differentiation.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual cause of auricular ossification.
- Understanding the distinction between calcification and ossification is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Further research into the etiology of auricular ossification secondary to environmental factors like cold injury is warranted.