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  • Title: Relapsing polychondritis: a rare disease with varying symptoms.
    Author: Peebo BB, Peebo M, Frennesson C.
    Journal: Acta Ophthalmol Scand; 2004 Aug; 82(4):472-5. PubMed ID: 15291945.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare systemic disease affecting primarily cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich structures. It is a potentially fatal disease with unknown aetiology. There are no specific tests for RPC. The diagnosis is dependent on clinical criteria, which include chondritis of both auricles, non-erosive inflammatory polyarthritis, nasal chondritis, ocular inflammation, respiratory tract chondritis and cochlear and/or vestibular damage. Ocular symptoms will occur in approximately 60% of RPC patients. As an example, a patient with signs of RPC is described. METHODS/RESULT: A 30-year-old woman was referred to our department for evaluation of a central corneal ulcer in the left eye. She had a history of recurrent pain in both her auricles and was also found to have a nasal septum perforation. Relapsing polychondritis was suspected. CONCLUSION: Non-healing corneal ulcers should alert the ophthalmologist to look for unusual reasons for this condition. RPC is one possible cause.