Abstract
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous structures and connective tissue. We report a 55-year-old woman whose subglottic stenosis was successfully treated by removal of the granulation using KTP-laser and by the placement of retainer cannula in exchange for T-tube. At the age of 46, a tracheostomy and placement of T-tube treated the first onset of dyspnea due to RP. Her symptom was alleviated by medication of prednisolone. At the age of 54, she was admitted to our hospital because of recurrence of dyspnea caused by subglottic granulation. Despite laryngofissure, removal of the granulation using KTP-laser, mucosal graft, and placement of T-tube, subglottic granulation relapsed shortly. We removed T-tube and placed a retainer cannula while medicating immunosuppressant. Then subglottic granulation was gradually reduced, so she was stopped medication and now is under observation in outpatient clinic.
The cause of RP is still unknown although current data provide increasing support for an autoimmune basis. Approximately 50% of the patients with RP contact laryngotracheaobronchial disease, which can be complicated by laryngeal, tracheal, and/or bronchial obstruction that may result in death.
We reported removal of the granulation using KTP-laser and the use of retainer cannula for treatment of subglottic stenosis with RP was effective. Strict observation is still required.
