Relapsing polychondritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection

Clin Rheumatol. 2012 Feb;31(2):391-4. doi: 10.1007/s10067-011-1881-4. Epub 2011 Nov 4.

Abstract

This article is aimed to review of relapsing polychondritis (RP) and its association to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A case of RP associated with HCV infection in a 59-year-old male is reported. The English medical literature was reviewed for RP and its association with HCV infection. RP is a rare autoimmune and multisystem disorder of unknown etiology in which the cartilaginous and related tissues are the primary targets of inflammation. HCV infection is a more common systemic illness with known hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations. Although RP is associated with other diseases in about 35% of cases, only one case of RP, HCV, and mixed cryoglobulinemia has been reported. We report a case of RP associated with HCV infection. Treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin resulted in sustained virologic response and remission of treatment-resistant RP with azathioprine. We report a case of RP and associated HCV infection. Although treatment of HCV infection resulted in remission of RP, it is unknown if there is a causal relationship between HCV infection and RP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / complications*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / drug therapy
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Ribavirin