疾病資訊

Haematoma auris is a collection of blood between the ear's cartilage and its overlying perichondrium (the layer of tissue that supplies blood to the cartilage). This usually occurs due to blunt force trauma—common in contact sports like wrestling, rugby, or boxing—which causes the skin to pull away from the cartilage, allowing blood to pool in the space.

Initially, the ear becomes painful, swollen, and bruised. If the blood is not drained promptly, the cartilage is deprived of nutrients and dies. As the haematoma heals, it contracts and forms fibrous tissue, resulting in a permanent, shriveled deformity known as "cauliflower ear." This can cause chronic discomfort and, in severe cases, may even obstruct the ear canal, affecting hearing.

Diagnosis is primarily made through a physical examination. A physician looks for a tense, fluctuant (fluid-filled) swelling on the outer ear following an injury. While imaging is rarely necessary, a doctor will check for associated injuries, such as a ruptured eardrum or a concussion, depending on the severity of the trauma that caused the haematoma.

The goal is to drain the accumulated blood as soon as possible, doctor will perform an incision or needle aspiration under sterile conditions, and to keep the skin in contact with the cartilage and prevent blood from re-pooling.