Malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor (MPTT) is a dermal adnexal tumor originated from the external root sheath of hair follicles. In this article, we reported a rare case of auricular MPTT in a 65-year-old male with gradually enlarging and bleeding mass on the right auricle measuring 30 × 20 × 12 mm in size and detailed the surgical strategy for therapy. The diagnosis of MPTT was established primarily by histopathological observation with abrupt keratinization, cytological atypia, abnormal mitoses, and infiltrating margins. Following extensive excision, no recurrence was noted for 14 months. We also discuss its clinicopathological features, differential diagnoses, and treatment methods and review the relevant literature in this regard.

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an autoimmune disease that can involve multiple sites within the human body. It is characterized by recurrent bouts of painful cartilage inflammation, and it can cause severe complications if it affects the vital organs. This report describes the case of a five-year-old child with limited auricular RP. The patient\'s history was obtained from his family, and a physical examination was performed at a pediatric rheumatology clinic. The patient was successfully treated using only a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and he completely recovered. This treatment and recovery have not been reported in the literature. Therefore, these results are worthy of mention in order to avoid the use of immunosuppressant medications with localized involvement.

Red ear syndrome has been reported in the literature to have similarities to erythromelalgia with auricular involvement; however, the distinction between the two is controversial. Red ear syndrome has previously been classified as idiopathic (primary) or secondary, with headaches being the most common association in the idiopathic or primary form. We present a case of pediatric red ear syndrome with hand and foot involvement that we believe represents auricular erythromelalgia. In this report, we propose a classification system to unify the diagnoses of red ear syndrome and erythromelalgia and review the literature on pediatric cases of red ear syndrome.

The reconstruction of extended defects of the concha poses a complex challenge for plastic surgeons. In cases of subtotal ablation, an alternative method designed especially for elderly oncological patients consists of epithetic rehabilitation. However, inserting an implant-retained concha epithesis proves challenging in patients with antecedents of deep resections involving the mastoid process. In the present case study, we report on the long-term treatment course (2009-2017) of a 79-year-old male patient suffering from a recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the retroauricular region. Following tumor resection, along with lateral mastoidectomy, reconstruction, and adjuvant radiotherapy, functional and esthetic deficits primarily due to peripheral facial nerve palsy were successfully managed using a multistep procedure. The procedure was completed by inserting an implant-retained concha epithesis, resulting in improved quality of life. Due to prior lateral mastoidectomy, ultra-short implants (4 mm) were inserted, partially at atypical positions. For maintaining healthy periimplant soft tissue, aftercare comprised cold plasma treatment. This oncologic case demonstrates the therapeutic necessity of using a broad spectrum of reconstructive procedures, along with their limitations, in a critical anatomic region. Specific features include the presentation of a workflow using ultra-short implants in a compromised mastoid region. Surgeons should consider alternative implant positions in the event of any compromised mastoid process. A particular emphasis has been put on meticulous aftercare to preserve healthy periimplant soft tissues.
Die Rekonstruktion größerer Ohrmuscheldefekte stellt eine komplexe plastisch-chirurgische Herausforderung dar. Eine etablierte Alternative bei subtotalen Defekten, insbesondere bei älteren onkologischen Patienten, besteht in der epithetischen Rehabilitation. Die implantologische Verankerung einer Ohrepithese ist jedoch anspruchsvoll im Falle einer vorhergehenden tiefen Resektion, welche den Procesus mastoideus erfasst. Der vorliegende Fallbericht stellt den langfristigen Behandlungsverlauf (2009–2017) eines männlichen 79-jährigen Patienten dar, der an einem rezidivierenden retroaurikulären Basalzellkarzinoms rechts litt. Nach der Tumorresektion einschließlich einer lateralen Mastoidektomie, Rekonstruktion und adjuvanter Strahlentherapie folgten weitere funktionell-ästhetische Korrekturen bei peripherer Fazialisparese. Abschließend wurde eine implantat-getragene Ohrepithese hergestellt, welche wesentlich zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität beitrug. Aufgrund der vorhergehenden lateralen Mastoidektomie mussten ultra-kurze Implantate (4 mm) verwendet und zum Teil an atypischer Position inseriert werden. In der Nachsorge der periimplantären Weichteile kam kaltes Atmosphärenplasma zur Anwendung. Der onkologische Fallbericht verdeutlicht die therapeutische Notwendigkeit eines breiten rekonstruktiven Spektrums und deren Limitationen in einer kritischen anatomischen Region. Besonderheiten dieses Beitrags bestehen in der Präsentation eines Behandlungsprotokolls unter Verwendung ultra-kurzer Implantate in einer kompromittierten Mastoidregion, wobei alternative Implantatpositionen berücksichtigt worden sind. Eine sorgfältige Nachsorge zur Aufrechterhaltung gesunder periimplantärer Weichteile ist hervorgehoben.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical effects of auricular acupuncture treatments for pain based on a revised auricular mapping and diagnostic paradigm (RAMP-uP).
METHODS: Retrospective chart review.
METHODS: A major US Veterans Affairs Medical Centre located in the Southeaster United States.
METHODS: Pain and efficacy rating scores based on visual analogue scales during each clinical visit. Duration of acupuncture treatment effects based on clinic notes documentation.
RESULTS: Patients\' average pain score decreased by almost 60% (p<0.0001). The treatment effects lasted 1-3 months (47%). The overall efficacy reported by most patients was helpful (83.6%).
CONCLUSIONS: The observed clinical effects of auricular acupuncture based on RAMP-uP are promising. Further research is needed to assess its feasibility to generalize and generate clinical effects in randomized controlled clinical trials.

The human ear seems an unlikely candidate for therapies aimed at improving cardiac function, but the ear and the heart share a common connection: the vagus nerve. In recent years there has been increasing interest in the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), a unique cutaneous subdivision of the vagus distributed to the external ear. Non-invasive electrical stimulation of this nerve through the skin may offer a simple, cost-effective alternative to the established method of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which requires a surgical procedure and has generated mixed results in a number of clinical trials for heart failure. This review discusses the available evidence in support of modulating cardiac activity using this strange auricular nerve.

Relapsing polychondritis is an acute, recurrent and progressive inflammation and degeneration of cartilage and connective tissue including that within the tracheobronchial tree affecting men and women equally and usually in the middle age. Serious airway manifestations occur in at least half of these patients. We present to you an interesting case report of a 20-year-old female who presented with exertional breathlessness. Imaging revealed diffuse calcification of pinna and tracheobronchial tree. Based on the characteristic clinical features and imaging studies a diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis was attained.