A case of congenital pre-auricular sinuses masquerading as otitis media

Abstract

A 3 year old boy presented with fever, pain and discharge from the right ear. On examination, swelling and redness were present behind the right ear and pus like discharge was found oozing from a tiny opening present in the right ear on the anterior margin of the helix. A diagnosis of congenital pre-auricular sinus with superimposed bacterial infection was made. Patient was treated successfully with a course of antibiotics. A similar uninfected pre-auricular sinus was present on the helix of the opposite ear. Both mother and younger sibling also had uninfected congenital bilateral pre-auricular sinuses.