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Published on: June 14, 2020
Otolaryngological manifestations of rheumatic diseases in children
Francesco Zulian1, Marianna Sari, Cosimo de Filippis
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Insights
This review focuses on rheumatic diseases in children that affect the ears, nose, and throat. It highlights juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Cogan syndrome, relapsing polychondritis, and Wegener granulomatosis for early diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system and potentially other organs.
- Otolaryngological involvement can be an early or concurrent sign in pediatric rheumatic diseases.
- Key conditions include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Cogan syndrome, relapsing polychondritis, and Wegener granulomatosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the main characteristics of pediatric rheumatic diseases with otolaryngological involvement.
- To provide elements for easy differential diagnosis.
- To aid in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of rheumatic diseases presenting with otolaryngological symptoms in children.
- Comparative analysis of key features for differential diagnosis.
- Synthesis of information for clinical guidance.
Main Results:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Cogan syndrome, relapsing polychondritis, and Wegener granulomatosis are primary considerations.
- Distinctive clinical features aid in differentiating these conditions.
- Understanding these characteristics facilitates timely medical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of otolaryngological signs in pediatric rheumatic diseases is crucial.
- Differential diagnosis is essential for targeted management.
- This review offers a framework for improved clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Rheumatic diseases represent a group of autoimmune conditions which primarily affect the musculo-skeletal system but can also involve other internal organs such as the auditory and the respiratory systems. Among the rheumatic diseases of children those which present an otolaryngological involvement at disease onset or during their course are essentially juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), Cogan syndrome (CS), relapsing polycondritis (RPC) and Wegener granulomatosis (WG). In this section, we will review the main characteristics of these conditions with the attempt to propose a few elements for an easy differential diagnosis which might help for an early diagnosis and a more appropriate treatment.
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