Relapsing Polychondritis With Airway Involvement As Initial Presenting Symptom A Clinical Analysis Of 3 Cases

Objectives To enhance the understanding of the variety of clinical features and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of relapsing polychondritis(RP),especially in the cases with airway involvement as initial presenting symptom.Methods 3 patients diagnosed as relapsing polychondritis(RP)with airway involvement in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from January 2000 to March 2008 were reviewed and analyzed.After preparation of clinical information materials of these patients,we analyzed the clinical features, laboratory studies,imageology,bronchofibroscopy,treatment and prognosis retrospectively.Conclusions Respiratory tract involvement in relapsing polychondritis is likely the initial presenting and the most severe manifestation;early diagnosis and treatment with prednisone, immunosuppressive agents,incision of trachea,mechanical ventilation and intervening methods can improve the patients life quality and the prognosis.