Diplopia as the first manifestation of relapsing polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an uncommon systemic disorder, which is characterised by recurrent inflammation and destruction of cartilage structures.1 Auricular, nasal, ocular, articular, tracheobronchial, and cardiac impairment are well recognised manifestations of RP.1-4 Central nervous system involvement is considered to be rare in RP, usually occurring in the course of the disease.1-4 We have observed a new case, which is of particular interest, as the patient developed diplopia revealing RP. A 69 year old man presented with an uveitis of the right eye in November 1997. The patient had no previous medical history, and he was successfully treated with both corticosteroid and antibiotic ointments. He was admitted to our hospital in February 1998 with a two day history of diplopia. Physical examination showed a …