Calcified cartilage-like aggregations of the external acoustic meatus found on cone beam computed tomography scans may offer forensic application: Report of case series

Abstract

There is increased recognition regarding the unique characteristics of the human ear and its potential for secondary evidentiary value with inconclusive cases involving forensic identification where only partial recoverable remains have been available. This report describes a previously unreported finding of bilateral small radiodensities surrounding the external acoustic meatus on cone beam computed tomography scans on 3 affected patients. These newly discovered structures were deemed consistent with cartilaginous tissue in comparison to the gray values of adjacent cortical bone. It is proposed that these cartilage-like aggregations may offer distinctive morphology, phenotypic display, and potential for recoverable DNA to be used as supplemental identifiers in forensic investigations.