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Case-based MCQ 🔸 #MCQ_12
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The correct answer is D.
This patient's tender, erythematous ear swelling is consistent with an auricular hematoma, which results from blood collection in the subperichondrial space of the external ear, typically after blunt trauma. This injury occurs most often in wrestlers, rugby players, boxers, and mixed martial artists. Patients classically present with acute ear tenderness, swelling, erythema, and ecchymoses.
Treatment involves auricular hematomas that are <2 cm in diameter and present for up to 48 hours undergo needle aspiration. Auricular hematomas ≥2 cm in diameter and all hematomas present from 48 hours up to seven days receive either incision and drainage or evacuation using an intravascular catheter rather than needle aspiration. The procedure should be performed immediately to prevent cauliflower ear, a permanent deformity due to fibrous and cartilaginous overgrowth.
Because of the risk of infection to an area with tenuous blood supply, recommended that all patients who undergo auricular hematoma drainage receive a 7-to-10-day course of empiric oral antibiotics with activity against skin flora and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (e.g., levofloxacin). After auricular hematoma drainage, patients warrant daily follow-up for three to five days to evaluate for reaccumulation of the hematoma or infection. Return to sports can occur as early as seven days after the initial injury if the hematoma does not reaccumulate. Athletes should be strongly advised to wear protective headgear to prevent reinjury.
❌Choice A is not correct:
Antibiotic ear drops (e.g., levofloxacin) are the first-line treatment for otitis extern, which presents with ear pain, pruritus, drainage, and hearing loss. Patients with otitis externs typically have pain with manipulation of the tragus and/or auricle. In patients with auricular hematomas, antibiotics can be considered for empiric coverage of auricular skin flora and Pseudomonas, but only after incision and drainage (the primary treatment) has been performed.
❌Choice B is not correct:
Pressure dressings consist of gauze that is firmly applied to a wound to prevent blood and serous fluid accumulation. Such dressings should be applied after incision and drainage to decrease reaccumulation risk.
❌Choice C is not correct:
Auricular hematomas require immediate incision and drainage. Observation without intervention would increase the risk of complications.
❌Choice E is not correct:
Temporal bone CT without contrast is indicated for patients with suspected temporal basilar skull fractures, which commonly present with subcutaneous bleeding over the mastoid process (Battle sign). Basilar skull fractures can also present with subcutaneous bleeding around the orbits (raccoon eyes), hemotympanum, cranial nerve deficits, and cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea or rhinorrhea. This patient's injury is localized to the external ear; a CT scan is not indicated.
✅Summarized Points:
Auricular hematomas are caused by blunt trauma to the external ear. Classic findings include an erythematous, tender swelling in the auricular fossa. Incision and drainage should be performed immediately to prevent cauliflower ear. A pressure dressing is subsequently applied to prevent reaccumulation of blood and serous fluid.