[Multiple aortic aneurysms in chronic atrophic polychondritis].
BACKGROUND
Although rare, cardiovascular involvement is the second most frequent cause of mortality in chronic relapsing polychondritis behind tracheobronchial tree chondritis. The most frequent cardiovascular complications are valvulopathy and aortic aneurysm.


METHODS
We report a case of chronic relapsing polychondritis with multiple aortic aneurysms that were clinically silent but continued to progress despite systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Progression of aortic aneurysms and extravascular disease do not appear to be correlated. Although the disease may appear to be in remission, vascular lesions can continue to progress independently. This case shows that medical treatment has little effect on the progression of these aneurysms. Consequently, it is necessary to opt for surgical therapy at the opportune moment.
Service de Dermatologie, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Bichat Claude Bernard, Université Paris 7 Denis-Diderot, Paris.
G
G
Monsel
E
E
Maubec
C
C
Picard-Dahan
I
I
Brocheriou
M-C
MC
Henry Feugeas
E
E
Kieffer
C
C
Francès
B
B
Crickx
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011081:Polychondritis, Relapsing / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents