A Case of Relapsing Polychondritis Presenting with Diffuse Tracheobronchial Involvement.
10.4078/jrd.2015.22.6.374
- Author:
Kyung Mo YOO
1
;
Jiwon HWANG
;
Joong Kyong AHN
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. mdahnjk@skku.edu
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Relapsing polychondritis;
Tracheobronchial involvement
- MeSH:
Arthritis;
Autoimmune Diseases;
Cartilage;
Cough;
Diagnosis;
Diagnosis, Differential;
Dyspnea;
Ear Cartilage;
Female;
Humans;
Middle Aged;
Polychondritis, Relapsing*;
Thorax
- From:Journal of Rheumatic Diseases
2015;22(6):374-377
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disease involving the cartilaginous structures of the whole body. Its diagnosis can be difficult when the typical clinical features such as auricular chondritis are absent. Here, we report on a case of a 51-year-old female who presented with cough, dyspnea, and polyarthritis. Chest computed tomography showed the diffuse involvement of tracheobronchial cartilage. According to Damiani's criteria, she was diagnosed as relapsing polychondritis even though there was no unique involvement of auricular cartilage, and high dose steroid and immunosuppressive therapy were then started. This case indicated that patients who have tracheobronchial cartilage involvement without definite auricular chondritis should be considered for relapsing polychondritis as a differential diagnosis.
