"Petrified ears" with idiopathic adult-onset pituitary insufficiency

Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Sep;16(5):830-2. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.100649.

Abstract

"Petrified ears" or calcification of auricular cartilage is an uncommonly reported condition. The most common causes of this phenomenon are local trauma, frost bite, and inflammation. Adrenal insufficiency is the most frequent systemic disease associated with auricular calcification. We present a case of idiopathic adult-onset pituitary insufficiency with hypocortisolism and bilateral auricular calcification. Recognition of the association between auricular calcification and adrenal insufficiency can be an important step toward the identification of a life-threatening cortisol deficiency.

Keywords: Adrenal insufficiency; adult-onset pituitary insufficiency; auricular calcification.

Publication types

  • Case Reports