[Multiple aortic aneurysms in chronic atrophic polychondritis]

Although rare, cardiovascular involvement is the second most frequent cause of mortality in chronic relapsing polychondritis behind tracheobronchial tree chondritis. The most frequent cardiovascular complications are valvulopathy and aortic aneurysm.

We report a case of chronic relapsing polychondritis with multiple aortic aneurysms that were clinically silent but continued to progress despite systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy.

Progression of aortic aneurysms and extravascular disease do not appear to be correlated. Although the disease may appear to be in remission, vascular lesions can continue to progress independently. This case shows that medical treatment has little effect on the progression of these aneurysms. Consequently, it is necessary to opt for surgical therapy at the opportune moment.