Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
20.0K
Relapsing polychondritis with severe hearing loss
Francisco Vileimar Andrade de Azevedo1, Juliana de Deus E Albuquerque1, Deborah Pereira Gonçalves1
1Hospital Geral Dr. Waldemar Alcântara, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
Revista Brasileira De Reumatologia
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) can cause severe hearing loss, particularly when linked with systemic vasculitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this rare immune-mediated condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare immune-mediated disorder affecting cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich tissues.
- It commonly involves the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract, but can also affect eyes, heart, and inner ear structures.
- RP is associated with other conditions, including vasculitis, connective tissue diseases, and myelodysplastic syndrome, in about one-third of cases.
Observation:
- Inner ear disorders are prevalent in 40-50% of RP patients, though profound hearing loss is infrequent.
- This case study details a patient with relapsing polychondritis presenting with severe bilateral hearing loss.
- The patient also exhibited clinical signs of systemic vasculitis.
Findings:
- The co-occurrence of relapsing polychondritis, severe bilateral hearing loss, and systemic vasculitis highlights a severe disease manifestation.
- This specific case underscores the potential for RP to lead to significant auditory impairment.
- The association with systemic vasculitis suggests a complex interplay of autoimmune processes.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital for patients presenting with severe RP manifestations, such as profound hearing loss.
- Recognizing the link between RP and systemic vasculitis is important for comprehensive patient management.
- This case emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary care involving rheumatologists, otolaryngologists, and audiologists.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
999
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
999
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
1.2K
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
1.2K
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
4.2K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
4.2K
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
22
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
22
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
3.3K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
3.3K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
5.3K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
5.3K