J Rheum Dis.  2015 Feb;22(1):56-60. 10.4078/jrd.2015.22.1.56.

A Case of Relapsing Polychondritis Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Yi NH
• Park SW
• Park IS
• Park CH
• Lee CW

• KMID: 2222929
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2015.22.1.56

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon disease associated with inflammation in cartilaginous tissues throughout the body, particularly affecting the cartilaginous structures of ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract. Several autoimmune diseases, including vasculitis, are associated with the concurrent relapsing polychondritis. However, ankylosing spondylitis primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine is rare in patients with relapsing polychondritis. We report on a 54-year-old man with concurrently relapsing polychondritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Keyword

Relapsing polychondritis; Ankylosing spondylitis

MeSH Terms

Autoimmune Diseases
Ear
Humans
Inflammation
Joints
Middle Aged
Nose
Polychondritis, Relapsing*
Respiratory System
Sacroiliac Joint
Spine
Spondylitis, Ankylosing*
Vasculitis

Figure

• 

  Figure 1. Deformed ear auricle and saddle nose can be seen.

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  Figure 2. This pelvis anteroposterior shows sclerosis and erosion of both sacroiliiac joints (Grade II).

• 

  Figure 3. This pelvis anteroposterior shows total loss of joint space and ankylosis of both sacroiliiac joints (Grade III).

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  Figure 4. This 3-dimensional computed tomography shows diffuse stenosis of tracheal lumen and narrowing of both main bronchi, especially left main bronchus is nearly collapsed.

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