Patients with dysplasia of the auricle and external ear abnormalities: Evaluation of the temporal bones malformation with thin-section computed tomography

Purpose

To correlate the relationship of the degree of external, middle, and inner ears abnormalities and the degree of dysplasia of the auricle (microtia).

Methods

We used high-resolution CT, with axial and coronal 1-mm contiguous sections to examine the temporal bones of patients with microtia.

Results

In cases of type II and III microtia, bony atresia of the external auditory canal was predominant. The degrees of middle ear malformations and ossicular dysplasia were correlated with the severity of the auricular anomalies. Inner ear changes were uncommon.

Conclusion

Microtia is commonly associated with a variety of external, middle, and, less frequently inner ear abnormalities. High-resolution multiplanar CT scanning is the primary imaging modality of choice in the preoperative evaluation of patients with microtia and external auditory canal dysplasia.