Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (17)

Preauricular sinus in Adult
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Preauricular sinus in Adult

Contributors: Sylvia Hsu MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Preauricular sinuses are common congenital abnormalities that manifest as small invaginations adjacent to the external ear, near the anterior margin of the ascending limb of the helix.

Preauricular sinuses arise during embryogenesis. One theory proposes that they may result from defective fusion of the 6 auricular hillocks that arise from the first and second branchial arches. These malformations may be sporadic or inherited in an incomplete autosomal dominant fashion, with reduced penetrance and variable expression. When inherited, they are more likely to be present bilaterally. The incidence varies by geographic location: 0.1%-0.9% in the United States, 1.6%-2.5% in Taiwan, and up to 4%-10% in some parts of Africa. Associated conditions include deafness and branchio-oto-renal syndrome.

The sinus tracts are typically narrow and short; usually, the duct connects to the perichondrium of the auricular cartilage. Preauricular sinuses are typically asymptomatic.

There are 2 similar congenital abnormalities that occur in this location as a result of the same embryogenic events: A preauricular pit is a superficial dell that does not have a deeper component, and a preauricular cyst is a cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium that extends from a preauricular sinus.

Preauricular sinuses and cysts may present with discharge, either because of desquamating epithelial debris or as a sign of infection, most commonly with gram-positive organisms. Other signs of infection include erythema, swelling, and pain. Infection can lead to abscess formation.

Codes

ICD10CM:
Q18.1 – Preauricular sinus and cyst

SNOMEDCT:
204272007 – Preauricular fistula

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:04/16/2020
Last Updated:04/16/2020
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Preauricular sinus in Adult
A medical illustration showing key findings of Preauricular sinus : Cheek, Sinus
Clinical image of Preauricular sinus - imageId=2850403. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A tiny pit near the crus of the helix.'
A tiny pit near the crus of the helix.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.