This man who has a history of recurrent scleritis also has 
this ear appearance.

a. What does the picture show?

b. What is the most likely diagnosis?

c. What other systemic conditions may be present?
 

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Answers:
This man who has a history of recurrent scleritis also has this ear 
appearance.

a. What does the picture show?

The picture shows a red and swollen right ear.
b. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Relapsing polychondritis.

This is a rare inflammatory condition of the cartilage and typically attacks the trachea, nose and the external ear. The diagnosis is clinical and made on the presence of recurrent inflammation of the above structures.

c. What other systemic conditions may be present?
  • Eyes - scleritis, peripheral corneal ulceration
  • Respiratory system - saddled nose, tracheal stenosis 
  • Joints - arthritis
  • Heart -  aortic incompetence
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