A rare case of microtia

¹Department of Pathology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Biher, Chennai, India, ²Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Biher, Chennai, India

^&Corresponding author
Krishna Prasanth Baalann, Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Biher, Chennai, India

Image in medicine    

Microtia is a rare genetic condition primarily affecting the pinna causing deformities congenitally during the embryologic development. Microtia when associated with ear canal atresia can cause partial or total deafness depending on the extent of deformity of canal. It is a rare condition that occurs in 1 per 10,000 births, with male predominance and involves right ear more commonly but can be bilateral too. A 35-year-old male presented with complaints of cough and cold. Incidentally, on examination, it was observed that the pinna of the right ear was deformed to a moderate extent. The lobule of the ear was intact and protruded externally, helix of the ear was absent, tragus and concha of the ear were not visible under normal examination. No pain was elicited while palpating the ear. Patient had a history of hearing loss on the right side. Surgical reconstruction for cosmetic purposes as well as therapeutic purposes in case of aural atresia were suggested to the patient. Patients with microtia must be informed of all possible treatment choices. It is essential to discuss the timing of procedures, and it is important to consider whether concomitant problems such as aural atresia require surgical intervention. Additionally, prenatal counselling for mothers should be given on teratogen avoidance.

Figure 1: grade 3 microtia ear with remnant of peanut-shaped skin and cartilage