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Relapsing polychondritis
Füsun Alataş1, Ragip Ozkan, Muzaffer Metintaş
1Department of Chest Disease, Osmangazi University Medical School, Eskişehir, Turkey. fusunalatas@yahoo.com
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|July 15, 2003
Summary
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) can cause sudden respiratory distress. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this rare inflammatory condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare multisystem inflammatory disorder.
- RP can present with diverse symptoms, including respiratory compromise.
- Early recognition is key for effective management.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old female presented with acute respiratory distress.
- Previous diagnosis of asthma and laryngeal stenosis with tracheostomy.
- Clinical signs included arthralgias, conjunctival hyperemia, periorbital edema, and skin lesions.
Findings:
- Thoracic CT revealed tracheal wall thickening.
- Bilateral auricular calcification noted.
- Biopsies of bronchi, conjunctiva, and skin supported RP diagnosis.
- Diagnosis confirmed by clinical, pathological, and radiological findings.
Implications:
- RP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden respiratory distress.
- Prompt steroid therapy initiated.
- Patient referred for surgical stenting.
- Highlights the importance of considering RP in unexplained respiratory distress.