[Recurrent episcleritis with hyperemia of the external ear As an early symptom of chronic polychondritis].

A 49-year-old patient with relapsing polychondritis, who presented in the first instance to an eye department, is described. The patient had episcleritis, papilloedema and posterior scleritis. Both auricles were red, swollen and tender under pressure. The patient responded well to systemic steroid therapy for two weeks. Relapsing polychondritis is a rare connective tissue disorder. Early diagnosis is important, as progressive disease may cause lesions of vital organs (lung, heart).