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Isolated itching of external auditory canal: clinicopathological study with immunohistochemical determination of antimicrobial peptides

B Acar^a1 c1, G Güler Simsek^a2, S Oguztuzun^a3, M Zaim^a1 and R Murat Karasen^a1

^a1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

^a2 Department of Pathology, Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

^a3 Department of Biology, Kırıkkale University, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the histological and immunohistological features of skin biopsy specimens from patients complaining of isolated itching of the external auditory canal.

Materials and methods: A prospective, case–control study was performed of 24 patients undergoing evaluation for contact dermatitis of the external auditory canal, and 24 controls. Skin biopsies were examined histologically by a single, blinded dermatopathologist, using light microscopy, to determine histopathological characteristics. The immunohistological presence of the antimicrobial peptides human β-defensin-3 and LL-37 cathelicidin was also assessed. Findings for patients and controls were compared.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of inflammation, comparing patients and controls (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the presence of spongiotic changes, comparing patients and controls (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the patients' skin biopsies did not show pronounced expression of human β-defensin-3 or LL-37 cathelicidin.

Conclusion: Histological and immunohistological examination of skin biopsies from cases of isolated itching of the external auditory canal did not support a diagnosis of dermatitis.

(Accepted June 04 2010)

(Online publication October 29 2010)

Key words

• External Auditory Canal;
• Otitis Externa;
• Pruritus

Correspondence:

^c1 Address for correspondence: Dr Baran Acar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Pinarbasi mahallesi Sanatoryum caddesi Ardahan sok no 1, Kecioren 06310, Ankara, Turkey Fax: + 90 312 356 90 22 E-mail: drbaranacar@gmail.com

Dr B Acar takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

Competing interests: None declared