Bilateral chondrodermatitis nodularis antihelicis. An unusual complication of cardiac pacemaker insertion

Chondrodermatitis nodularis

Chondrodermatitis nodularis is a common condition in clinical practice but rarely discussed or reported in the literature. It most often affects the helices and antihelices of the ear. It is either uni- or bilateral. Injury usually initiates or triggers the disease. Microscopic pathology supplements the clinical diagnosis. Its etiopathogenesis points to this being a transepidermal elimination or perforating dermatoses.

Bilateral chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis on the free border of the helix in a woman

Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is characterized by the presence of small, intensely painful nodules on the free border of the helix of the ear with unknown origin. The lesion is typically localized unilaterally on the right ear. Pressure and trauma may play a role.