Auricular perichondritis in a patient with personal antecedents of type II diabetes and radical mastoidectomy

Abstract

Auricular perichondritis is a rare but severe complication that can occur in patients who have experienced ear trauma or are suffering from an immunosuppressive condition. Its treatment is difficult and time–consuming, and the prognosis is usually poor. We present the case of a 68-year-old patient with personal antecedents of ear surgery, type II diabetes, and signs of poor local hygiene who was admitted to our ENT department with a swollen, painful, erythematous pinna and treated empirically for 3 weeks with systemic antibiotics (cefuroxime), local drainage, and application of antiseptic medication (iodine solution and boric acid). Considering the long hospitalization time and the multiple comorbidities of our patient, the present case report is aimed to highlight the importance of a diversified approach to treatment in patients vulnerable to auricular perichondritis.