Relapsing Polychondritis

RELAPSING polychondritis is a syndrome characterized by intermittent symptoms of cartilaginous inflammation, primarily involving the ears, nose, trachea, bronchi, and costal cartilages; it is frequently associated with conjunctivitis, episcleritis, arthritis, fever, and anemia. Fifty-four cases have been reported and several others referred to in the literature.1-37Since the original description in 1923 by Jaksch-Wartenhorst1this syndrome has periodically been the subject of excellent reviews.11,12,23,37The patient we are reporting presents the typical clinical picture of relapsing polychondritis and is the tenth autopsied case. Unique features of this case are the radiographic picture which developed during an episode of respiratory distress and the findings of cystic medial necrosis of the aorta at autopsy. Report of a Case The patient, a 34-year-oldwhite housewife, developed painful swelling and redness of the bridge of her nose five years before her aadmission to AAnckerhospital, St. Paul. This ddisappeared spontaneously in six