Recurrent auricular inflammation caused by Kimura’s disease: reminiscent of the early phase of relapsing polychondritis?

Recurrent auricular inflammation with pain and swelling is due to the composition and environmental exposures experienced by the constituent parts of the ear. A painful, swollen ear may suggest acute perichondritis, subperichondrial hematoma or relapsing polychondritis (RP). Here, we report a case of a 51-year-old Asian man who had an approximately 2-year history of recurrent auricular swelling and was referred for suspected RP. Biopsy of the lesion revealed the formation of lymphoid follicles with a dense infiltrate of lymphocytes, histiocytes and eosinophils. His serum IgE level was 12 040 U/mL (normal range 0–358). These findings suggest that the patient had Kimura’s disease (KD). Physicians should be aware of KD as a potential cause of recurrent auricular inflammation.