Relapsing Polychondritis in the Department of Defense Population and Review of the Literature

Abstract

The incidence, demographic data, and organ involvement in our RPC patients were similar to previous studies. The diagnosis of RPC was determined primarily on physical examination and symptom-driven diagnostic testing. There was no notable pattern by rheumatologists for monitoring the progression of tracheobronchial tree or large vessel involvement. Interpreting flow volume loops is recommended with pulmonary function testing to detect early laryngotracheal involvement. Computed tomography of the chest is also recommended to monitor for vascular and tracheobronchial tree involvement.

Relapsing Polychondritis with Encephalitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…The current patient was diagnosed with RP according to Damiani's diagnostic criteria, including bilateral auricular chondritis, ocular inflammation, histologic confirmation and a positive response to corticosteroids (1,3). Encephalitis associated with RP was suspected in this case due to the CSF and repeated MRI findings, and the administration of mPSL pulse therapy followed by PSL gradually improved the patient's symptoms, with no recurrence of symptoms during the two-year follow-up period.…”

“…Peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) involvement is uncommon in cases of RP (3). To our knowledge, RPassociated meningoencephalitis and encephalitis, demonstrated clinically and on neuroimaging, have been reported in only 18 cases in the English literature (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19).…”

An Unusual Cause of Pulmonary Nodules in a Patient With Relapsing Polychondritis

“…It commonly affects the ears, eyes, nose, larynx, and trachea, but even the heart, aorta, skin, joints, and nervous system can be involved. [3][4][5] Relapsing polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disorder of unclear etiology that occurs in all races and age groups, with men and women affected equally. [3][4][5] Pulmonary relapsing polychondritis is usually manifested by episodic tracheobronchial chondritis, which may result in life-threatening upper airway obstruction.…”

“…[3][4][5] Relapsing polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disorder of unclear etiology that occurs in all races and age groups, with men and women affected equally. [3][4][5] Pulmonary relapsing polychondritis is usually manifested by episodic tracheobronchial chondritis, which may result in life-threatening upper airway obstruction. 3,5,6 As a result of airway involvement, caution is needed in attempting airway procedures.…”

Relapsing polychondritis

“…For those with relatively mild involvement, oral glucocorticoids can be initially used. In patients with potentially severe manifestations (severe laryngeal or tracheobronchial chondritis, very recent and abrupt onset of sensorineural hearing loss, or systemic vasculitis with poor prognosis factors), methylprednisolone bolus therapy (15 mg/kg/day) combined with an immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agent (4,5,6,34) can be beneficial as an initial therapy.…”