Bilateral Microtia in a Female Infant: An Uncommon Congenital Ear Abnormality

• Published in: Journal of Radiation Medicine in the Tropics Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 28 - 30
• Main Authors: Kazaure, Idris Sule, Adamu, Yahuza Mansur, Hikima, Mustapha Shuaibu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2024
• ISSN: 2667-2537; 2667-2537
• DOI: 10.4103/jrmt.jrmt_3_24

Abstract Microtia–anotia is a spectrum of congenital anomalies of the auricle ranging from mild structural abnormality of the ear to complete absence of the ear (anotia). The condition is bilateral in 15% of cases, the right side being more commonly affected than the left in unilateral cases. The condition is of public health importance in part due to the psychological sequel, including the stigma associated with malformed ears and the burden of undergoing multiple surgeries for reconstruction. We present a case of a 39-day-old female child who presented to the hospital on account of deformed external ears and the absence of external ear opening noticed at birth. The role of imaging in these patients, particularly high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) scan, cannot be overemphasized for appropriate surgical intervention. A case of bilateral congenital microtia diagnosed on CT scan is thus presented. Bilateral congenital microtia is rare congenital malformations. The present report demonstrates the classic imaging features as seen on computed tomography which are indispensable for subsequent surgical intervention.