A CASE OF RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS WHO PRESENTED WITH BILATERAL AURICULAR CHONDRITIS

Abstract

　Relapsing polychondritis is a relatively rare and unexplained disease characterized by damage to the cartilage tissue over the entire body and a variety of manifestations. Early diagnosis is often difficult, and it could take years from onset to diagnosis.

　In our case reported herein, we performed a biopsy immediately after the appearance of auricular chondritis, so that we could make a diagnosis within 1 month from the initial presentation (that is, within about 3 months from symptom onset) and initiate early treatment, and obtained a favorable clinical course. We report the case, with a review of the literature.

　In patients presenting with auricular chondritis, the possibility of relapsing polychondritis should be borne in mind, in addition to bacterial infection. If relapsing polychondritis is suspected based on the symptoms and clinical findings, prompt biopsy may enable early diagnosis and treatment.