Macrotia - Acquired As Against Congenital: A Case Report

Abstract

Wasp belongs to a group of insect that does not intentionally attack human unless threatened1. It is a member of the Hymenoptera order (which also includes bees and ants). Its consists of various proteins and enzymes. It also contains an acetylcholine-like substance, histamine, serotonin and a kinin (peptides which cause slow muscle contractions and lower the arterial blood pressure)1. In most people the wasp sting causes an initial sharp localized pain followed by swelling and itching of the affected part. We present a case of a seventeen year old male student who presented with persistently protruding ear following a wasp sting on the affected left ear ten years duration. On the protruding ear, fine needle aspiration cytology was done but the result was inconclusive. A skin snip revealed only inflammatory cells with no evidence of microfilaria. A wedged incisional biopsy of the hypertrophied pinna was done under local anaesthesia. Biopsy was taken from anterior helix and the post auricular sulci area. The Histology report revealed inflammatory cell with no evidence of malignancy. Acquired Macrotia may be an unusual presentation in wasp sting, information on bites and stings should be incorporated within injury prevention programs in West Africa such as those developed by Farmsafe Australia. Key words: Macrotia, Otitis externa, wasp, Otorhinolaryngologist