Ossification of the external ear (auricular cartilage)

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Vertigo. Incidental finding.

Patient Data

Age: 85 years
Gender: Male

Bilateral ossification of the auricular cartilage seen as areas high density of both auricles with radiolucent areas within.

Normal CT appearance of both EAC, middle and inner ears.

Normal pneumatization of the mastoid air cells.

Case Discussion

Ossification of the auricular cartilage is a very rare entity, usually asymptomatic. The causative factors include trauma, inflammatory/neoplastic diseases, endocrinopathies and systemic disease 1,2.

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