Sonography of the ear pinna.
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.
Wortsman
Ximena
X
Department of Radiology, Clinica Servet, Almirante Pastene 150, Providencia, Santiago, Chile. xwo@tie.cl
Jemec
Gregor B E
GB
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