AS ITS name implies, relapsing polychondritis is a diagnosis based upon the clinical findings of intermittent painful inflammation of multiple cartilaginous structures. This is unique among connective tissue disorders and serves to delineate relapsing polychondritis as a separate disease entity. Approximately 50 cases have been recorded in the world literature, and the overwhelming majority of those stricken have been white. This disease is often bizarre in presentation; sudden collapse of the nasal septum and a remarkable erythema and swelling of the ear are commonly seen, although inflammation of cartilage of the trachea, bronchi, larynx, costochondral junctions, and peripheral joints also may occur. Recently, several excellent review articles1,2have also emphasized the fever, anemia, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate present during acute exacerbations. Ocular manifestations, such as episcleritis and conjunctivitis, are seen frequently. Tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss, indicating inner ear involvement, also occur and are of particular interest to