Relapsing polychondritis

Abstract

This is a case report of a 67-year-old man with the rare autoimmune disease relapsing polychondritis. The patient was initially diagnosed by general practitioners with erysipelas around his left ear, which was found red, swollen, and painful. Due to the lack of effect from antibiotics, the patient was referred to an emergency department. A rheumatologist recognised the patterns of the rare disease, diagnosed the patient and initiated proper treatment. The case clarifies the difficulty in diagnosing relapsing polychondritis, mainly due to the rarity and lack of knowledge of the disease.