[Chronic recurrent polychondritis]

In a 71-year-old woman suffering from recurrent fever, dry cough, pain during sighing, hoarseness and later severe inflammation of the cartilage of both auricles 'relapsing polychondritis' was diagnosed. This is a rare disease of cartilage and connective tissue. Most frequent symptoms are inflammation of the auricles and nasal septum, joint disorders and inflammation of eye structures, larynx and trachea. The aetiology may be autoimmunity. The clinical diagnosis can be confirmed by a cartilage biopsy. The disease is recurrent and causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Therapy consists of NSAIDs, steroids, and sometimes immunosuppressive agents.