Aggravation of Relapsing Polychondritis due to the Infection and Its Manifestation on a Nasal Tip Graft

Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2014 Mar;7(1):63-5. doi: 10.3342/ceo.2014.7.1.63. Epub 2014 Feb 5.

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an uncommon systemic disease that is characterized by episodic and progressive inflammation of the cartilaginous structures, which can be very debilitating and in some instances life-threatening. The pathogenic pathways of RP are largely unknown. However, several hypothesis have been suggested. We had an interesting case of aggravation of RP due to the infection. Graft cartilage on the nasal tip was affected by RP also. This case can give a clue of revealing the pathogenesis of RP. We introduce a case with a review of the literature.

Keywords: Antibody; Cartilage; Foreign-body reaction; Nose; Relapsing polychondritis.