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 experienced ear trauma or those suffering from an immunosuppressive condition. Its treatment is difficult, 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, treated empirically for a period of 3 weeks with systemic antibiotics (cefuroxime), local drainage and application of antiseptic medication (iodine solution, 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 of treatment in patients vulnerable to auricular perichondritis.