Microtia (Q46124): Difference between revisions

Microtia is a congenital malformation of variable severity of the external and middle ear. Both hereditary factors (evidence for familial craniofacial microsomia and patterns suggestive of multifactorial inheritance) and vascular accidents are involved in the etiology of the disease. Specific causative factors also can include maternal rubella during the first trimester of pregnancy. Microtia commonly involves the external canal and middle ear; hence, hearing can be affected. Microtia may present within a spectrum of branchial arch defects (hemifacial microsomia, craniofacial microsomia) or may manifest as an independent malformation. The microtic auricle consists of a disorganised remnant of cartilage attached to a variable amount of soft tissue lobule.