[Relapsing polychondritis. A case report with special reference to otolaryngological manifestations]

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease of unknown etiology. The symptomatology is characterised by inflammatory and degenerative changes of multiple cartilaginous structures. --In this peculiar case the nose, the larynx and the cartilages of the ribs and of one hand were involved. Distinct inflammatory changes of the left vocal cord were seen. The diagnosis of the disease was assured by the presented electron microscopic studies. Treatment with high doses of corticosteroids did not prove effective. The disease process could only be controlled by in immunosuppressive combination therapy with prednisone, and cyclophosphamide. --Characteristic clinical features, diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapeutical problems are discussed.