[Calcification of auricular cartilages in adrenal insufficiency].
Calcification of the auricular cartilages is a very rare finding observed in metabolic disorders like Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency or diabetes. Its aetiology and physiopathological mechanisms remain unclear. It may be caused by exposure to cold or trauma in the cartilage but in a significant number of cases, ossification occurs without the identification of the precipitating cause or event. We present the clinical and pathologic findings of a patient suffering from Addison's disease who developed auricular bilateral calcification. The literature is reviewed and the physiopathological hypotheses discussed.
Agut Fuster
Miquel Angel
MA
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Francesc de Borja, Gandía, Valencia, España. miquelagut@hotmail.com
Agulles Fornés
María José
MJ
Ferrer Rodríguez
Angel
A
Ramos Martínez
María José
MJ
del Campo Biosca
Juan
J
Viel Martínez
José Manuel
JM
D000224:Addison Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000150:complications*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography