Relapsing polychondritis

Background: Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare, chronic, and potentia lly fatal multisystemic inflammatory disorder targeting cartilaginous struc tures. This disorder is frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis, sy stemic vasculitis, connective tissue diseases, and/or hematologic disorders . RPC afflicts patients with recurrent and often progressive episodes of in flammation with the potential for destruction of the affected structures. T issues involved include the ears, joints, nose, larynx, trachea, eyes, hear t valves, kidneys,and skin. Ocular manifestations commonly include episcler itis, scleritis, conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, chorioretinitis, and propto sis. Lid edema, orbital inflammation, muscle palsies, and corneal melting m ay also occur. Case report An 83-year-old man previously diagnosed with RPC presented to our clinic with acute unilateral chemosis, conjunctivitis, li d edema, proptosis, and extraocular muscle restriction. After orbital cellu litis was ruled out, further evaluation revealed posterior scleritis with c horoidal detachment OS. A course of oral indomethacin and topical antibioti c-steroid combination drops was implemented in the treatment of the ocular manifestations. The quick positive response to the anti-inflammatory agents confirmed the diagnosis of ocular complications secondary to RPC. Discussi on: The presenting ocular signs and symptoms of RPC often resemble other co mmonly encountered ocular conditions. It is important for the eye care prac titioner to be familiar with the ocular manifestations of RPC because the e yes are sometimes the initial site of involvement and may be a marker of se verity. Early diagnosis and intervention may significantly improve the pati ent's outcome. This case report with literature review will hopefully bring to light features of this disease which will help the eye care practitione r in the diagnosis and management of this condition.