Head and Neck ImagingRelapsing polychondritis
rare inflammatory disease of
cartilage of unknown origin, producing a bizarre form of arthritis. It also involves the cartilages of the ear, nose and respiratory tract. Involvement of the airway is present in about half of the patients and causes hoarseness, dyspnoea, and possibly
obstruction due to oedema and
cartilage collapse. The imaging findings seem to be variable. Both
cartilage destruction as
cartilage sclerosis,
cartilage expansion and
calcification have been reported. Laryngotracheal oedema and
fibrosis may be seen.
For a general description of the disease, see relapsing polychondritis.
RH