Multiple, bilateral and painful ear nodules of the anthelices: a variant of chondrodermatitis nodularis?
A case of a distinctive clinicopathologic condition of the ear cartilage is presented, characterized by multiple, bilateral and painful nodules of the anthelices without epidermal involvement. Histologically, there was a peri-chondrial lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and a small focus of degenerate, basophilic cartilage as well as cystic chondromalacia containing an amorphous mass. This condition is both clinically and histopathologically distinct from other causes of ear nodules, although the lesions seen in our patient exhibit features of chondrodermatitis nodularis helices and therefore could well be a variant of the latter.
Bogenrieder
Thomas
T
Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg Medical Center, D-93042 Regensburg, Germany. bogenrieder@wistar.upenn.edu
Allert
Max-Hubertus
MH
Landthaler
Michael
M
Stolz
Wilhelm
W
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004431:Ear, External / Q000503:physiopathology; D004954:Esthetics; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D059408:Pain Management; D011081:Polychondritis, Relapsing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome