Case presentation

A 57-year-old Caucasian female presented with a 4-day history of worsening left ear pain. Her symptoms began with left otalgia and otorrhea which progressed to helical erythema, prompting a visit to the emergency department (ED). The ED physician noted erythema of her left auricle and swelling of the left auditory meatus. The tympanic membrane was not visualized due to stenosis of the external auditory canal (EAC). The patient was initiated on intravenous (IV) levofloxacin and otic ofloxacin. Our otolaryngology service observed erythema of the auricle with sparing of the lobule (Fig. 1). We amended the diagnosis to be otitis externa with perichondritis and recommended otic ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone, IV vancomycin, and ciprofloxacin. The patient had marked improvement and was discharged on an oral and otic fluoroquinolone. This clinical image was approved by the IRB at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Classic picture of otitis externa with perichondritis, evidenced by erythema of the auricle with sparing of the lobule

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Diagnosis

Otitis externa with perichondritis

Perichondritis is inflammation of the ear cartilaginous framework, often sparing the fatty lobule. When the cartilage becomes involved, including abscess formation and cartilage cavitation, the term chondritis is used [1]. Chondritis and perichondritis may result from trauma or direct extension from otitis externa. Common infectious etiologies include P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. coli, and Proteus species, with P. aeruginosa being the most common [2, 3]. If bilateral or recurrent episodes occur, workup for relapsing polychondritis should be entertained [1, 4].

Perichondritis is a clinical diagnosis made via physical examination [1, 2]. The classic finding of perichondritis is erythema and edema with sparing of the fatty lobule, which lacks any cartilaginous structure [1]. This key exam finding helps to distinguish perichondritis from otitis externa. Management of perichondritis depends on the etiology. Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay treatment with anti-pseudomonal coverage with consideration of surgical incision and drainage if abscess or hematoma is present to prevent long-term deformity [5].