Neurologic involvement in relapsing polychondritis
Requena, M.A.; Palma, D.A.; Popescu, B.M.
Medicina 67(2): 156-158
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7680 PMID: 17593601 Document Number: 608720
Relapsing polychondritis is a multysistemic inflammatory disease, of unknown etiology. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation with progressive destruction of cartilaginous structures and connective tissue. It may also affect tissues that contain proteoglycans like eyes, heart, kidney, and blood vessels causing a picture of vasculitis. We report here the case of a patient with relapsing polychondritis and seizures. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed multiple hyperintense signals in the T2 weighted images and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), suggesting ischemic injuries, that improved with high doses of glucocorticoids. We remark the unusual presentation with neurological involvement in this uncommon disease that has improved with treatment.