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Relapsing polychondritis mimicking rheumatoid arthritis
P Schlapbach1, N J Gerber, P Ramser
1Department of Rheumatology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Relapsing polychondritis can manifest as deforming polyarthritis years before typical cartilage destruction. This case highlights the importance of considering this autoimmune condition in early joint disease presentations.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous tissues.
- Articular involvement in RP, presenting as polyarthritis, can precede classic chondritis by many years.
Observation:
- A case study of a woman with relapsing polychondritis (RP) is presented.
- The patient experienced progressive, deforming polyarthritis for 14 years.
- Rheumatoid factor was consistently negative throughout the observation period.
Findings:
- The polyarthritis was the initial presenting symptom of RP.
- Typical clinical and histological features of nasal and auricular cartilage destruction appeared 14 years after the onset of joint symptoms.
- This case underscores a delayed presentation of cartilaginous involvement in RP.
Implications:
- Early recognition of polyarthritis in the context of potential RP is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- The diagnostic window for relapsing polychondritis may be extended, requiring vigilance for diverse initial presentations.
- This case emphasizes the heterogeneous clinical course of relapsing polychondritis and its impact on rheumatological practice.