A Case of Relapsing Polychondritis Involved Tracheobronchial Tree / 결핵

ABSTRACT

Relapsing polychondritis is a systemic disorder characterized by recurrent inflammation and degeneration of cartilaginous tissue throughout the body. The association with HLA-DR4 and the occurrence of antibodies to type II collagen and other antoantibodies suggest that an immunologic mechanism is involved in its pathogenesis. The eyes, oars, nose, larynx, trachea and articular areas are commonly involved. Airway narrowing or collapse from respiratory tract involvement, occurs in up It 50% of patients with relapsing polychondritis. Treatment consists of administration of corticosteroids arid other anti-inflammatory and immunosuppresive drugs. We experienced a case of relapsing polychondritis involving the tracheobronchial tree, nose and ears in a 49-year-old woman. The patient was clinically and histologically diagnosed as relapsing polychondritis according to McAdam's and Damiani's criteria. We report this case with a review of the literature.