Relapsing polychondritis: difficult to suspect, simple to diagnose, a case report

ABSTRACT

A case of relapsing polychondritis presenting with a painful goitre and odynophagia is reported. Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon disease and its presentation to a surgeon in such a manner is rather unusual. It is a progressive inflammatory disorder of articular and nonarticular cartilages and in most cases involves the ear, larynx, trachea, eye and skin .The heart may also be affected. This condition is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The clinical course of the disease is highly variable and the management is centred on accurate diagnosis and early institution of steroid therapy