Auricular pseudocyst

An auricular pseudocyst is a rare and benign cystic swelling resulting from intracartilaginous accumulation of fluid within the pinna.

Epidemiology

While it can occur at any age and in either gender, it typically presents in middle aged males with a mean age of presentation being around 35-40 years .

Clinical presentation

Typically presents as a painless auricular swelling (typically develops over a period of 4 to 12 weeks).  Minor discomfort and mild inflammatory signs could be occasionally present

Pathology

The exact etiology is not well known while some consider a repeated minor injury playing a role in its development.

Location

• most lesions are unilateral.
• involvement is usually seen in scaphoid, triangular fossa, and antihelix.

Radiographic features

Ultrasound

May show a fluctuant cystic lesion involving the auricle.

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment options can be variable with surgical options comprising of excision of the anterior cartilage with compression buttoning (showing excellent results without recurrence).

History and etymology

It is thought to have been first described by D Engel in 1966 .

Differential diagnosis

As a clinical differential consider

• auricular hematoma: different clinical context
• cellulitis of the pinna
• relapsing polychondritis: affecting ear
• chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis