Abstract
Background. Relapsing polychondritis(RP) is a rare inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, affecting cartilages or connective tissues throughout the body. In the respiratory system especially, involving cricothyroid or tracheal cartilage frequently causes a critical situation because of airway stenosis. We report here in a successful case of RP treated with an Ultraflex^[○!R] stent. Case. A 57-year-old man had clinical features such as increase in inflammatory reactions, thickening of the tracheal wall, and saddle nose deformity in April 2006. He underwent a rib cartilage biopsy, and had been given a diagnosis of RP. Since then, prednisolone had been given orally. In November of the same year, the patient suddenly complained of dyspnea and fell into a coma. He was taken to hospital by ambulance and underwent emergency medical care. Shortly thereafter, endotracheal intubation was performed and he was transferred to our hospital. Results. After tracheotomy, Ultraflex^[○!R] stents were placed in the trachea, and both main bronchi. On the day of the stent placement, he was taken off the mechanical ventilator, and we replaced the tracheotomy tube with a T-tube. Four months after a stent placement, the patient is performing normal daily activities without any episode of airway narrowing. Conclusion. The Ultraflex^[○!R] stent is useful in RP, but remains controversial for in long-term management. Carrying out regular follow-up is mandatory.
