Relapsing Polychondritis Diagnosed after Stellate Ganglion Block: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

ABSTRACT

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an uncommon disorder of unknown etiology characterized by inflammation and destruction of the cartilaginous structures of many organs, including the tracheobronchial tree. We experienced a rare case of RP diagnosed after stellate ganglion block. A 56-year-old female has been treated under impression of rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma for several years, but her symptoms were not markedly relieved. We performed right stellate ganglion block with 8 mL of 1% mepivacaine for the relief of the right shoulder pain. About 5 minutes later, she complained severe dyspnea and became cyanotic. Bronchoscopic finding was diffuse bronchoconstriction during expiration. We confirmed the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis by bronchoscopic biopsy finding. Unfortunately, she died 3 months later due to recurrent pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.