Published online Aug 16, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i23.8360
Peer-review started: March 16, 2022
First decision: May 12, 2022
Revised: May 24, 2022
Accepted: July 11, 2022
Article in press: July 11, 2022
Published online: August 16, 2022
Processing time: 137 Days and 22 Hours
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease that mainly involves systemic cartilage and proteoglycan-rich tissues. If the larynx and trachea are involved, the patient’s condition deteriorates rapidly. When relapsing polychondritis becomes more advanced, the airways collapse and treatment is difficult, rendering a poor prognosis. Therefore, the diagnosis method, treatment strategy and prognosis of relapsing polychondritis with larynx and trachea involvement need to be elucidated to improve clinicians’ awareness of the disease.
A man and a woman were admitted because of breathlessness. Relapsing polychondritis was diagnosed after a series of accessory examinations. They were both treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, and underwent tracheotomy as their breathing difficulties could not be relieved by the medication.
The two cases highlight the importance of the timely diagnosis, full evaluation and initiating individualized treatment of relapsing polychondritis with larynx and trachea involvement. Laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy and pathological examination are helpful in diagnosis of this disease.
Core Tip: Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease, if the larynx and trachea are involved, the patient’s condition deteriorates rapidly. We here report two cases of relapsing polychondritis involving the larynx and trachea. Necessary accessory examinations, timely diagnosis and full evaluation, and initiating individualized treatment are important to reduce the mortality rate and improve patient prognosis.