Abstract
Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a disorder characterized by the inflammation and destruction of the cartilaginous structures in multiple organs. The six typical diagnostic signs are bilateral auricular chondritis, nonerosive sero-negative inflammatory polyarthritis, nasal chondritis, ocular inflammation, respiratory tract chondritis and audiovestibular damage. Auricular chondritis has been reported to be the most common presenting manifestation in those symptons. We herein report a case of bilateral auricular chondritis in a 91-year-old male due to relapsing polychondritis. An early diagnosis could be made based findings of an auricular biopsy using Damiani's criteria for diagnosing RPC. The symptoms of auricular chondritis remarkably improved following steroid therapy and no relapse of the disease has yet been recognized to date. It thus concludes that bilateral auricular chondritis may be an important sign for making an early diagnosis of RPC.
