Relapsing polychondritis – diagnostic problem

Introduction. Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an uncommon, multisystem, autoimmune disease with not completely elucidated etiopathogenesis. Due to a wide range of symptoms and coexistence with other systemic diseases, RP is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Characteristic features include inflammation of cartilaginous tissues of the ears, nose, larynx, bronchi, ribs, and peripheral joints. The disease may spread to the tympanum, eyes, and cardiovascular, nervous and urinary systems.

Objective. Presentation of the case of relapsing polychondritis and discussion of clinical and laboratory criteria of RP.

Case report. A 64-year old woman was admitted to hospital due to inflammation of cartilaginous tissues of the ears. Clinical symptoms, histopathological examination, laboratory tests and coexistence with other autoimmune processes led us to diagnose RP. After several months of prednisone treatment with progressively reduced dosage, complete remission was achieved.

Conclusions. Relapsing polychondritis is a chronic, progressive disease, which can lead to serious multiorgan complications.