Auricular hematomas are at increased risk of developing which condition?

Auricular hematomas are at increased risk of developing which condition?

• A. Cartilage necrosis
• B. Cholesteatoma
• C. Coagulopathy
• D. Otomycosis

Answer: (B)

When the ear is struck, blood can collect between the cartilage and its perichondrium. The perichondrium supplies nutrients to the cartilage, so a hematoma pushes the cartilage away from this nourishing layer and can disrupt its blood supply. If the collection isn’t drained promptly, the cartilage can undergo necrosis, leading to deformity known as cauliflower ear. This is the main risk after an auricular hematoma. Cholesteatoma, by contrast, arises in the middle ear from chronic infection and keratinizing epithelium, not as a consequence of a auricular hematoma, so it’s not the expected complication here. Management focuses on prompt drainage and a tight compressive dressing to prevent reaccumulation and preserve ear contour.

When the ear is struck, blood can collect between the cartilage and its perichondrium. The perichondrium supplies nutrients to the cartilage, so a hematoma pushes the cartilage away from this nourishing layer and can disrupt its blood supply. If the collection isn’t drained promptly, the cartilage can undergo necrosis, leading to deformity known as cauliflower ear. This is the main risk after an auricular hematoma. Cholesteatoma, by contrast, arises in the middle ear from chronic infection and keratinizing epithelium, not as a consequence of a auricular hematoma, so it’s not the expected complication here. Management focuses on prompt drainage and a tight compressive dressing to prevent reaccumulation and preserve ear contour.