MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Earlobe creases

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Earlobe creases

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Considerations	Common Causes Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Ear lobe crease

Definition Return to top

Earlobe creases are superficial lines in the otherwise smooth earlobe of a child or young adult.

Considerations Return to top

The earlobes of children and young adults are normally smooth. Creases are sometimes associated with rare inherited syndromes.

Some studies have found that people with earlobe creases are at greater risk for heart attack than others.

More recent research, however, seems to indicate that earlobe creases are more common in older people, and that age, not the presence of creases, accounts for this increased risk.

Other genetic factors such as race and earlobe shape may also determine the presence of earlobe creasing and whether it appears in childhood or adulthood.

Common Causes Return to top

In children, earlobe creases are often associated with rare disorders. One of these is called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Call your health care provider if Return to top

This finding is usually discovered on a well-child examination. If you notice that your child has earlobe creases and are concerned that they may be linked with an inherited disorder, see your pediatrician.

What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

The health care provider will obtain your child's medical history. Medical history questions may include:

When did you first notice the earlobe creases?
What other symptoms or abnormalities have you also noticed?

A physical examination will be performed to determine if there are abnormalities present that may indicate the presence of a rare disorder.

If other symptoms or abnormalities are noted, diagnostic tests may be ordered. The specific test will depend on the disorder that is suspected

Update Date: 12/23/2002

Updated by: Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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