2004, Number 4
Systemic and ocular alterations of relapsing polychondritis
Tenorio G, Bustos-Hinojosa RM, Lino PL
Full text
Language: Spanish
References: 7
Page: 189-195
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ABSTRACT
Objective: To describe systemic and ocular manifestations in patients with relapsing polychondritis, as well as its clinical course. We found its prevalence at the General Hospital of Mexico. Material and Methods: Four patients were evaluated in Ophthalmology Department at the General Hospital of Mexico, with the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis. All of them underwent a through rheumathologic and ophthalmologic assesment. Results: The presentation age was of 64, 43 and 34 years old in 2 cases; one man and three women. The main ocular manifestations were: episcleritis, anterior diffuse scleritis, keratitis and anterior uveitis. Visual acuity was impaired in all the patients. The main systemic manifestations were: chondritis at the auricle and nasal cartilages , arthritis, laringeal and/or tracheal chondritis, and cochlear and vestibular damage. Conclusions: Relapsing polychondritis is a rare condition that might be related to very important ocular and extraocular sequelae, and even death if an early diagnosis is not reached, as well as an appropriate treatment.REFERENCES