Anatomical position and clinical presentation of pre-auricular sinus (a congenital defect) among out patients attending ENT department in a tertiary care hospital, Rewa, M.P. India

Aims and Objectives: The aim of study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical presentation of congenital preauricular sinus (PAS) and to determine its association with other congenital abnormalities. Methods: This is an observational study conducted in patients attending to OPD of ENT department. All patients with clinical diagnosis of pre-auricular sinus were enrolled after taking written informed consent and detail histories of presenting complaints were taken. Otologic, nose, throat and full general examinations were done to rule out the other associated congenital anomalies. Results: A total 36276 patients were enrolled during the study period, of these 23 (0.06%) subjects were presented with pre-auricular sinus with some associated symptoms. 52.17% of these were belong to11-20 age group. 39.13% patients were presented with symptoms. Prevalence of PAS in patients attending OPD was 1:1656. Unilateral PAS was found in 73.91%; of this right side occurs more frequently (52.94%). Swelling in front of the ear and sinus discharge is (22.22%) most common complaint. Conclusion: Preauricular sinuses (ear pits) are common congenital abnormalities. They can occur either side or bilateral but most frequently present on the right side ear. Most of cases were asymptomatic, but some may become infected; most commonly with gram-positive bacteria which can responsible for recurrent infection and purulent discharge.