Relapsing polychondritis—two cases with tracheal stenosis and inner ear involvement

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease which often presents firstly to ear, nose and throat (ENT) departments. Its complications, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and neurological are life-threatening; thus it is important to recognize the disease and its complications early. Treatment for relapsing polychondritis may have serious side-effects which should be taken into account when managing these patients. We report two young patients with relapsing polychondritis and their treatments; both had severe tracheal stenosis responding in one case to pharmacological and in the other to surgical intervention.

Management of Laryngotracheobronchial Sequelae and Complications of Relapsing Polychondritis

“…Once intubated, the patient may require positive pressure ventilation before the airway can be adequately assessed 15 . Clark et al 1 reported treatment of a 17‐year‐old woman with tracheal stenosis treated by elective tracheostomy and monthly hydrostatic balloon dilatations.…”

“…Chondritis of auricular cartilage is commonly the presenting feature and the otorhinolaryngologist is frequently involved in the initial diagnosis. The complications of the disease may be life‐threatening, so it is important to make the diagnosis and instigate treatment at an early stage and closely monitor patients for evidence of the more severe manifestations 1 …”

Relapsing Polychondritis: A Pediatric Case

“…Other agents, either alone or together, have been used (12). These include nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, dapsone, and colchicine, which are suitable for mild cases, and cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, and cyclosporine for the severe cases (20). In one report, chloroquine was also effective (2).…”

Relapsing polychondritis

“…In conjunction with common symptoms, there may be infrequently seen findings in approximately one-third of the patients with RPC with ear involvement. For instance, inner ear inflammation may cause impaired hearing, tinnitus, and vertigo (25).…”