[Inaugural bilateral panuveitis in relapsing polychondritis]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive cartilage destruction.
• Ocular manifestations are common in RP, but specific inflammatory eye conditions like uveitis are infrequent.

Observation:

• A 72-year-old male patient presented with bilateral panuveitis.
• The patient had a history of unclassified arthritis.
• Recurrent episodes of uveitis accompanied by ear chondritis prompted further investigation.

Findings:

• The clinical presentation led to the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis.
• Uveitis, while a known ocular complication of RP, is considered a rare symptom.
• The diagnosis was confirmed by the characteristic association of recurrent uveitis and chondritis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering relapsing polychondritis in patients with unexplained recurrent uveitis, especially when other characteristic symptoms like chondritis are present.
• Prompt diagnosis and management of uveitis in the context of relapsing polychondritis are essential to mitigate the risk of significant visual impairment.
• The case underscores the diverse and sometimes rare ocular manifestations of systemic autoimmune diseases.