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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2010

B Acar ,
G Güler Simsek ,
S Oguztuzun ,
M Zaim  and
R Murat Karasen
B Acar*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
G Güler Simsek
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
S Oguztuzun
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Kırıkkale University, Turkey
M Zaim
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
R Murat Karasen
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
*
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
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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.

Keywords

External Auditory CanalOtitis ExternaPruritus
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 3 , March 2011 , pp. 227 - 230
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

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