title: Sonography of the ear pinna.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to assess the scope of sonography for the diagnosis of diseases of the external ear.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a description of the sonographic anatomy of the normal ear pinna, including the thickness of the normal cartilage and lobule, through systematic scanning of the external ears of 11 healthy volunteers (2 male and 9 female), and reviewed clinical cases with pathologic entities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reproducible and recognizable images were collected from normal as well as pathologic cases of the external ear. Images are presented for reference.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sonography permits good visualization of the internal structure, including the cartilage, and it is possible to use sonography as a method of study to differentiate between inflammation, vascular lesions, and tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Clinica Servet, Almirante Pastene 150, Providencia, Santiago, Chile. xwo@tie.cl
authors.forename: Ximena
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wortsman
authors.forename: Gregor B E
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Jemec
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004814:Epidermal Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D019043:Vascular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging