[Differential diagnosis of the saddle nose and perichondritis of the outer ear - the von Meyenburg-Altherr-Uehlinger syndrome (panchrondritis)].

Basing on the description of a case treated by the authors, the von Meyenburg-Altherr-Uehlinger syndrome is illustrated with its manifold symptoms and the resulting difficulties in diagnosis. Besides the signs of involvement of the eyes, joints, heart and vascular system, the symptoms caused by affection of the cartilage of the ear, nose, trachea and bronchi are important for the ENT surgeon. Aspects of differential diagnosis are discussed. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the syndrome are still unknown. Therapy is symptomatical with steroids and, in special cases, with immunosuppressive drugs.