Capillary Haemangioma: A Rare Vascular Tumour of the External Auditory Canal.

Abstract

Haemangiomas are relatively common in the head and neck region, but cases in the temporal bone are rare. Hemangioma of the external auditory canal (EAC) is a rare otologic entity. Up till now (till 2013), only 18 cases of hemangioma EAC have been reported in the English literature. It is commonly classified as capillary or cavernous hemangioma. According to the literature, this case represents the fourth patient with capillary hemangioma of the EAC. A 22-year-old male presented to our department with a 3years history of right-sided aural fullness, mild pain and decreased hearing. There was no history of ear discharge, pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo and local trauma. Oto-microscopic and otoendoscopic examination revealed a smooth surface, reddish pulsatile mass arising from the right postero-superior portion of bony canal wall, which measured about 1cm in diameter, obstructing 2/3rd of the EAC. The tympanic membrane was not seen. No facial nerve dysfunction was observed. Patient had moderate conductive hearing loss in right ear on audiology. HRCT temporal bone showed soft tissue mass involving the right EAC and middle ear. The lesion was excised via a postaural approach under general anesthesia. The tumor was a reddish, soft mass and measured 1.6×1.7×2.8cm. The histopathologic assessment indicated a capillary hemangioma.