Fatal Tracheal Stenosis in Relapsing Polychondritis

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of cartilaginous inflammation with subsequent degeneration, structural loss, and fibrosis. We present the case of a 33-year-old female patient diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis, who developed hoarseness, dry cough, and dyspnea. Bronchoscopy revealed stenosis in the subglottic region and reduced vocal cord mobility. The patient developed severe glottic and subglottic edema, making orotracheal intubation impossible. An emergency cricothyroidotomy was performed, followed by a tracheostomy. A chest computed tomography revealed extensive thickening and calcification of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, in addition to subglottic stenosis. Ultimately, the patient succumbed to her illness.