Congenital auricular anomalies: topographic anatomy, embryology, classification, and treatment strategies.

Congenital auricular anomalies are heterogeneous, with various descriptive and eponymous terms being used. Current classification systems are useful in guiding surgical treatment of severe anomalies. However, they do not generally account for the less severe anomalies, which form the majority of congenital auricular anomalies, nor their contemporary treatment. In this article, the authors review the anatomy and embryology of the external ear and propose a simple classification of congenital auricular anomalies that encompasses all forms of congenital auricular anomalies, facilitates proper diagnosis, and guides treatment. Congenital auricular anomalies should be classified as malformational or deformational anomalies. Malformational auricular anomalies are caused by embryologic maldevelopment that occurs between the fifth and ninth week of gestation resulting in deficient and/or supernumerary auricular components. Deformational auricular anomalies result from in utero or ex utero deformational forces, including those caused by an aberrant insertion of the intrinsic or extrinsic auricular muscles. Malformational auricular anomalies generally require surgical correction during childhood or adolescence. For practical purposes, deformational auricular anomalies have a full complement of chondrocutaneous components that can be digitally manipulated to a normal shape. These anomalies are best treated by auricular molding, which is effective if it is initiated within the first 3 months of life. Deformational auricular anomalies are best regarded as a pediatric public health issue and are best managed nonsurgically. Education of neonatal pediatricians, obstetricians, family doctors, and midwives will allow proper early diagnosis of all congenital auricular anomalies, which is vital to appropriate treatment. These practitioners should be encouraged to manage deformational auricular anomalies early in life so that surgery can be largely avoided in these patients.

Necrotising fasciitis and cellulitis after traditional Samoan tattooing: case reports.

Traditional Samoan tattooing, ta tatau, is a vital part of Samoan culture. It is being performed with greater frequency on New Zealand resident Samoans. Unfortunately, ta tatau has recently been the causal factor in two significant infectious cases, in one of which death resulted. The two cases were clinically reviewed. An investigation into the history and practice of ta tatau was made in an attempt to identify causal factors that could be addressed. The two cases had similar causal themes. These included improper sanitary techniques, ta tatau being performed in unlicensed premises by temporary tattooists, patients that were unwilling to access medical services due to the expectations of tradition, lack of follow-up and lack of infection advice by the tattooist. Life threatening infectious complications has not previously been described for traditional Samoan tattooing. Improper sanitary conditions in combination with late presentation to medical services have been suggested as the cause of these cases. The technique, tools, culture and trends are discussed and recommendations are made for reducing infectious complications.

Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma.

Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma with negligible metastatic potential, but local recurrence rates after surgical excision have ranged from 14 percent to 42 percent. Unlike other sarcomas, guidelines for the optimal surgical excision margin of cutaneous leiomyosarcoma are not clearly defined in the existing literature. A review of local experience with this condition revealed eight patients over 12 years, none of whom developed local recurrence or distant metastases. This is despite poor prognostic factors in seven patients and excision margins ranging from 1 to 27 mm. These findings are compared with previously published data, and conclusions are drawn based on analysis of the collective results. Complete surgical excision with a narrow margin is recommended, and patients should be observed for a minimum of 5 years after surgery.