Otological manifestations of relapsing polychondritis:A report of 43 cases and review of the literatures

Objective To summarize the clinical features of 43 patients with relapsing polychondritis（RP） in order to have a better understanding of it. Methods Clinical data about 43 RP patients were retrospectively analyzed with stress laid its otological manifestations and treatment. Results The male and female ratio was 1.5∶1.The average age of patients at onset of RP was 40.3 years（range 13-72）.The average course of RP was 15 months.The otological manifestations were observed in 17（39.5%） out of the 44 patients with the ear involved in 38 patients（88.4%）.Auricular chondritis,eustachian tube dysfunction,otitis externa,vertigo,tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss were diagnosed in 33（76.7%）,3（7%）,6（14%）,4（9.3%）,12（28%）,and 7 patients（16.3%）,respectively.All patients were treated with corticosteroids and 37 out of them were treated with combined corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive inhibitors.Their symptoms were significantly improved before they were discharged. Conclusion The diagnosis of RP mainly depends on its clinical manifestations plus laboratory tests and pathological examinations.Otologists in combination with rheumatologists contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of RP involving the ear.