Prevalence of the petrified ear: a computed tomographic study

The petrified ear is characterized by calcifications or ossifications of the cartilaginous parts of the outer ear. It is described as a rare finding, but the prevalence of this finding is unclear. In a retrospective analysis of 200 computed tomographic scans of the head, 39 patients showed ossifications/calcifications of the cartilaginous parts of the outer ear (19.5 %). These affected the cartilage of the auricle in 13 patients (6.5 %), the cartilaginous parts of the external auditory channel in 25 (12.5 %) and in one patient both (0.5 %). All ossifications/calcifications were incidental findings in our series. Contrary to most authors, auricular ossifications/calcifications per se seem to be a common finding, but symptoms due to a petrified ear seem to be rare. To establish proper differential diagnosis, radiologists and otorhinolaryngologists should be aware of these findings.