Preauricular Sinus-classic versus Variant Types among a Cross-section Subjects in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: The variant types of preauricular sinuses (‘postauricular sinuses’) presenting as postauricular swelling have rarely been reported. Preauricular sinuses and cysts result from developmental defects of the first and second pharyngeal arches. This and other congenital ear malformations are sometimes associated with renal anomalies such as branchio-oto-renal syndrome. The variant types of preauricular sinuses (‘postauricular sinuses’) presenting as postauricular swelling have rarely been reported.

Aim: The study is a prospective one carried out to find out the prevalence of preauricular sinus (classic and variant) in our community.

Methodology: This was a prospective study carried out between June 2013 and May 2018 on patients seen in Ear, Nose and Throat department of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, as well as a cross-section of population in different communities of Ekiti state, Nigeria, after obtaining ethical approval from the hospital ethical committee and informed consent was taken from all subjects enrolled in the study. Detailed clinical history, administered interviewer’s assisted questionnaires full examination and. Data obtained were collated and analyzed.

Results: Over the five (5) year study period, a total of 4,350 subjects were seen both within the hospital and the cross sections of the Ekiti community. Out of these subjects, 108 were found to have preauricular sinus either classic or its variant. The prevalence is 2.48% (both Classic and Variants). Male accounted for 78(72.2%) of the total subjects while the female was 30(27.8%). The age of the subject range from 1 to 70 years with the mean age of 36.17 years. The preponderance was found in the age group 11-20 years (Table 1). Majority of the subjects were pupil/student (preschool and infants included) and accounted for 37.0%. Surgery was done for 25 consented subjects. 80.0% belong to the classic type and 20.0% variant type. Recurrence after surgery is noted to be higher in variant type (60.0%) as compared to the classic type.

Conclusion: Preauricular sinus, classic, and the variant is a congenital anomaly that is common in this part of the world our environment with a small proportion showing clinical symptoms. Prevalence was 2.48%, which is lower compared to some other African studies higher in variant type as compared to the classic type. Hearing loss was found in two of our studied subjects. Recurrence after surgery was noted to be higher in variant type as compared to the classic type.