Cupped Ear Deformity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus —An Interesting Observation

A woman in her early 30s with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with worsening photosensitivity, arthralgia, diffuse alopecia, intermittent fever, and periorbital puffiness for 20 days. Cutaneous examination revealed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring on the head, neck, trunk, and extremities. Incidentally, deformities were observed in both ears [Figures 1 and 2]. Otorhinolaryngology evaluation confirmed post chondritis “cup ear.” No other cartilaginous sites were involved, and the diagnostic criteria for relapsing polychondritis were not met.Figure 1: Cup deformity of left earFigure 2: Loss of the antihelix fold and distortion of the tragus of right earCup ear refers to curling of the upper portion of the ear, including the helix, scapha, and antihelix. Auricular chondritis is a rare manifestation of SLE, reported in <1% of patients, with postulated immune complex pathogenesis.[1,2] Notably, chondritis resulting in a cup ear deformity has not been previously documented in a case of SLE, emphasizing the uniqueness and clinical importance of this case.