title: Relapsing polychondritis with severe hearing loss.
abstract: Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, immune-mediated condition characterized by episodes of inflammation of cartilaginous structures, especially the ears, nose, joints and respiratory tract. RP also affects proteoglycan-rich structures such as the eyes, heart, blood vessels and inner ear. Around one third of cases are associated with other diseases such as vasculitides, connective tissue diseases or myelodysplastic syndrome. Disorders of the inner ear occur in 40-50% of patients. Profound hearing loss is rare. The aim of this study was to describe the case of a patient with relapsing polychondritis associated with severe bilateral hearing loss and clinical manifestations of systemic vasculitis. This study reinforces the importance of an early diagnosis and immediate treatment in case of severe manifestations of the disease.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Geral Dr. Waldemar Alcântara, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. Electronic address: vileimar@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Francisco Vileimar Andrade de
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.affiliation: Hospital Geral Dr. Waldemar Alcântara, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
authors.forename: Juliana de Deus E
authors.initials: Jde D
authors.lastname: Albuquerque
authors.affiliation: Hospital Geral Dr. Waldemar Alcântara, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
authors.forename: Deborah Pereira
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011081:Polychondritis, Relapsing / Q000150:complications*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: Auditive loss; Perda auditiva; Policondrite; Policondritis; Vasculite; Vasculitis