Auricular perichondritis secondary to acupuncture.
Auricular perichondritis developed in a patient following acupuncture to the pinna. Poor response to high-dose antibiotics necessitated open drainage. The underlying cartilage was uninvolved, and minimal deformity ensued. Acupuncture must be considered a form of penetrating trauma that may induce a perichondritis or chondritis in the auricle.
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004322:Drainage; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004431:Ear, External; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male