External auditory canal calcification

Case contributed by Trefa Salih Hasan
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

The patient presented with discomfort in the left ear. Upon examination, swelling was noted around the ear area.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female

Enhanced axial CT scan

ct
This study is a stack
Axial C+ portal
venous phase
This study is a stack
Sagittal
bone window
This study is a stack
Coronal
bone window
This study is a stack
Axial bone
window
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Info

A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck reveals significant enlargement of the left parotid gland, exhibiting increased attenuation. This is accompanied by reactive adenopathy in levels 2 and 3, strongly suggesting a diagnosis of parotitis.

Fatty replacement of the right parotid gland with hypertrophy of the right accessory parotid gland.

Moreover, the scan shows bilateral symmetrical calcifications in the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal (EAC).

No calcifications were noted in the external auricle. These findings warrant close attention and may require further evaluation to ensure appropriate management.

Case Discussion

The cause of the patient's ear discomfort was proposed to be inflammation of the LT parotid gland.

The bilateral symmetrical calcification of the external auditory canal's outer cartilaginous part was an incidental finding. The fact that there is no associated calcification of the external auricle makes the case more interesting than the combined calcification of the external auricle and EAC.

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