[Polymorphic ocular involvement in relapsing polychondritis: an early, not always recognized symptom]

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by arthropathy, inflammation of auricular and nasal cartilage, and various ocular complications. Potentially destructive inflammatory lesions involve cartilaginous structures and the cardiovascular system. In three reported cases multiple ocular complications and arthropathy were early symptoms of relapsing polychondritis.