A Case of Arteriovenous Malformation in the External Auditory Canal

Author: Soo Jeong CHOI ¹ ; Juhyun LEE ; You-Na SUNG ; Gi Jung IM
Author Information

1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Publication Type:Case Report
From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2024;67(7):401-405
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:KO
Abstract: Benign vascular tumors are relatively common in the head and neck region, but are rarely found in the ear. Among vascular tumors, infantile hemangioma stands as the prevailing entity, characterized by a rapid initial proliferation of endothelial cells, succeeded by a gradual regression over the course of several years. In contrast, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a less common phenomenon, originating from peripheral vascular anomalies during embryogenesis, and it does not undergo spontaneous regression. Specifically, the occurrence of AVM within the external auditory canal are exceedingly uncommon. Here, we describe a case of a 49-year-old male patient who had a mass incidentally discovered in the external auditory canal, but refused initial treatment. He later returned as the mass enlarged. This case could have been clinically misdiagnosed as a hemangioma, but was ultimately diagnosed pathologically as an AVM.