Bilateral ossification of the auricles: An unusual entity and review of the literature

Abstract

Background. True ossification of the auricle with cartilage replacement by bone, is a very rare clinical entity and can result in an entirely rigid auricle. Case presentation. We present a rare case of bilateral ossification of the auricles in a 75-years old man with profound progressive rigidity of both auricles. His main complaint was a mild discomfort during resting making sleeping unpleasant without any other serious symptoms. His medical history was significant for predisposing factors for this condition such as, Addison's disease and diabetes mellitus. Excisional biopsy was performed confirming the ossified nature of the auricles. Further treatment deemed unnecessary in our case due to his mild clinical picture. Conclusion. True auricular ossification is a quite rare clinical entity with unclear pathogenesis and one should have in mind that there is always the possibility of a serious co-existed disease like endocrinopathy. © 2009 Mastronikolis et al.