Cauliflower ear

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Cauliflower ear
Cauliflower ear
SpecialtyOtorhinolaryngology

Cauliflower ear is an irreversible condition that occurs when the external portion of the ear is hit and develops a blood clot or other collection of fluid under the perichondrium. This separates the cartilage from the overlying perichondrium that supplies its nutrients, causing it to die and resulting in the formation of fibrous tissue in the overlying skin. As a result, the outer ear becomes permanently swollen and deformed, resembling a cauliflower, hence the name.

The condition is common in

martial arts such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, judo, sumo, or mixed martial arts, and in full-contact sports such as rugby league or rugby union
.

Presentation

People presenting with possible auricular hematoma often have additional injuries (for example, head/neck lacerations) due to the frequently traumatic causes of auricular hematoma. The ear itself is often tense, fluctuant, and tender with throbbing pain. However, because of potentially more remarkable injuries often associated with auricular hematoma, auricular hematoma can easily be overlooked without directed attention.[1]

Diagnosis

Perichondral hematoma and consequently cauliflower ear are diagnosed clinically. This means that the medical provider will make the diagnosis by using elements of the history of the injury (examples: participation in contact sports, trauma to the ear, previous similar episodes) and combine this with findings on physical exam (examples: tenderness to the area, bruising, deformation of the ear contours) to confirm the diagnosis and decide on the appropriate treatment for the patient.[2]

Cauliflower ear in an MMA fighter

To assist with settling on the best form of treatment for cauliflower ear, Yotsuyanagi et al created a classification system for deciding when surgery is needed and as a guide as to what the best approach would be.[3]

Classification of cauliflower ear[3]
Type 1: Minimal deformity with no or slight changes to the outline of the ear Type 2: Substantial deformity of the outline of the ear
Type 1A Deformity is restricted to the concha of the ear Type 2A The structural integrity of the ear is intact
Type 1B Deformity that extends from the antihelix to the helix of the ear Type 2B Poor structural integrity of the ear
Type 1C Deformity that extends throughout the outer ear

Causes

The most common cause of cauliflower ear is blunt trauma to the ear leading to a hematoma which, if left untreated, eventually heals to give the distinct appearance of cauliflower ear. Most commonly coming from participating in grappling and combat sports such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. The structure of the ear is supported by a cartilaginous scaffold consisting of the following distinct components: the helix, antihelix, concha, tragus, and antitragus.[1] The skin that covers this cartilage is extremely thin with virtually no subcutaneous fat while also strongly attached to the perichondrium, which is richly vascularized to supply the avascular cartilage.[1]

Cauliflower ear can also present in the setting of nontraumatic inflammatory injury of auricular connective tissue such as in

rheumatologic disorder in which recurrent episodes of inflammation result in destruction of cartilage of the ears and nose.[4] Joints, eyes, audiovestibular system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory tract can also be involved.[4]

Mechanism

The components of the ear involved in cauliflower ear are the outer skin, the perichondrium, and the cartilage.[2] The outer ear skin is tightly adherent to the perichondrium because there is almost no subcutaneous fat on the anterior of the ear.[2] This leaves the perichondrium relatively exposed to damage from direct trauma and shear forces, created by a force pushing across the ear like a punch, and increasing the risk of hematoma formation.[2] In an auricular hematoma, blood accumulates between the perichondrium and cartilage. The hematoma mechanically obstructs blood flow from the perichondrium to the avascular cartilage.[1] This lack of perfusion puts the cartilage at risk for becoming necrotic and/or infected.[1] If left untreated, disorganized fibrosis and cartilage formation will occur around the aforementioned cartilaginous components.[1]

Consequently, the concave pinna fills with disorganized connective tissue.[1] The cartilage then deforms and kinks, resulting in the distinctive appearance somewhat resembling a cauliflower.[1] Rapid evacuation of the hematoma restores close contact between the cartilage and perichondrium, thereby reducing the likelihood of deformity by minimizing the ischemia that would otherwise result from a remaining hematoma.[1]

Auricular hematoma most often occurs in the potential space between the helix and the

meatus.[1] Importantly, an auricular hematoma can also occur on the posterior ear surface, or even both surfaces.[1] Risk of necrotic tissue is greatest when both posterior and anterior surfaces are involved, although posterior surface involvement is less likely given its increased quantity of impact-dampening subcutaneous tissue.[1][2]

Preventions

A rugby union player wearing a tiger-print scrum cap, a form of headgear used for shock absorption and protection to the head.

Headgear called a "

ear splint can also be made to keep the ear compressed, so that the damaged ear is unable to fill thus preventing cauliflower ear. For some athletes, however, a cauliflower ear is considered a badge of courage or experience.[5]

Treatment

A mild auricular hematoma after drainage

There are many types of treatment for the perichondral hematoma that can lead to cauliflower ear, but the current body of research is unable to identify a single best treatment or protocol.[6] There is definitive evidence that the drainage of this hematoma is better for the prevention of cauliflower deformity when compared to conservative treatment, but the use of bandages and/or splinting after drainage requires more research.[6]

Because an acute

Cosmetic procedures are available that can possibly improve the appearance of the ear.[12]

History

Depiction of cauliflower ear in the Boxer of Quirinal, circa 100–50 BC

The presentation of cauliflower ear was recorded in ancient Greece.[13]

In 19th-century Hong Kong opium dens, opium users would develop cauliflower ear from long periods sleeping on hard wooden pillows.[14]

References

  1. ^
    PMID 28127072
    .
  2. ^
    S2CID 260133952
    .
  3. ^
    PMID 12372365
    .
  4. ^
    PMID 17113965
    .
  5. ^ Williams, Preston (2008-03-06). "For Wrestlers a Swelled Sense of Pride". The Washington Post. p. 14. Archived from the original on 2012-11-10. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  6. ^
    PMID 15106240
    .
  7. ^ Inna Leybell (May 10, 2018). "Auricular Hematoma Drainage". Medscape. Archived from the original on September 6, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2011.
  8. PMID 22695406
    .
  9. PMID 16558175
    .
  10. ^ "Cauliflower ear – How to avoid and treat". 2019-01-28. Archived from the original on 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2019-01-29.
  11. ^ "Cauliflower Ear Article". Nationwide Children's Hospital: Sports Med Articles. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  12. ISBN 978-1-935618-63-8
    .
  13. ISBN 9780500202494.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link
    )
  14. PMID 9771361
    .

External links
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