Relapsing Polychondritis and Aseptic Meningoencephalitis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting cartilage.
• Neurological manifestations of RP are uncommon but can be severe.

Observation:

• A 49-year-old man with a history of RP developed progressive cognitive impairment.
• The patient's neurological symptoms emerged despite initial treatment for RP.

Findings:

• Aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, including methylprednisolone pulse therapy, oral prednisolone (PSL), and intravenous cyclophosphamide, was initiated.
• The combination therapy led to a clear improvement in the patient's cognitive impairment.

Implications:

• This case underscores the rare but serious neurological complication of aseptic meningoencephalitis in relapsing polychondritis.
• Early and intensive immunosuppression is crucial for managing neurological involvement in RP.