Abstract
Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a disorder characterized by inflammation and the destruction of the cartilaginous structures of multiple organs. The six typical diagnostic signs are bilateral auricular chondritis, nonerosive sero-negative inflammatory polyarthritis, nasal chondritis, ocular inflammation, respiratory tract chondritis and audiovestibular damage. We herein report three cases who were refrred to us for either auricular chondritis or respiratory tract chondritis. McAdam's criteria for diagnosing RPC (three or more out of six signs are needed) is reliable, but it sometimes takes a long time to make diagnosis. Daminani's expanded criteria for an early diagnosis of RPC are, therefore, considered to be beneficial. Tracheoplasty using silicon block was performed in one case and her airway has since maintained an adequate size.
