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Large vessel arteritis in relapsing polychondritis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Kaoru Yamazaki
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
Takako Suga
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
Koichi Hirata
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
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Abstract

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A healthy 58-year-old woman presented with recurrent swelling and pain of the nose and both auricules. Bruits were heard over both carotid arteries. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed stenosis of both internal carotid arteries. Relapsing polychondritis was diagnosed. These symptoms improved after treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine. Although relapsing polychondritis is sometimes associated with systemic vasculitis, large vessel arteritis is rare and can negatively affect prognosis. We conclude that the detection of systemic vascular lesions, including those involving the central nervous system, can play an important role in the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis and that early treatment is essential for a good outcome.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2001