A Case of Relapsing Polychondritis

概要

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Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an uncommon inflammatory disease that mainly affects cartilage tissue in the auricles, nose, and respiratory tract. A 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with left hearing loss and tinnitus. His auricle had degenerated, but the tympanic membrane remained normal. His hearing level gradually decreased to 90dB degree. Treatment with a steroid hormone (hydrocortisone) was initiated but the hearing level showed only slight improvement after a few weeks. Three months later, he was hospitalized with right hearing loss and was treated with hydrocortisone at the same dose. However, hearing level continued to decrease. Thereafter, he was treated with 1000mg of methylprednisolone for three days. After one month, slight improvement was seen.We suggest that hearing loss in RP should be with treated with pulse therapy using a steroid hormone, and that the patient should be followed for a prolonged period.