[Immunology and deafness. Manifestations of relapsing polychondritis in the ENT area. A case report].

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare episodic systemic disorder characterised by recurrent, widespread, and potentially destructive inflammatory lesions involving cartilaginous structures, the cardiovascular system, and organs of special sense, such as the eyes and ears. Although the aetiology is unknown and its pathogenesis is incompletely understood, experimental evidence strongly suggests that immunological mediated mechanisms are operative. The following case report adds some considerations to the discussion about the immunopathology of the inner ear.