A case of relapsing polychondritis with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and perforation of the nasal septum at the onset

Mod Rheumatol. 2007;17(2):148-52. doi: 10.1007/s10165-006-0549-4. Epub 2007 Apr 20.

Abstract

A 33-year-old woman suffered from epistaxis and perforation of the nasal septum. Based on a biopsy of nasal mucosa, Wegener's granulomatosis was suspected initially. Her nasal symptoms improved spontaneously, but tinnitus, hearing loss, and dizziness appeared within 3 months. Laboratory analyses revealed no inflammation, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were negative. Audiometry revealed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. A second biopsy of the nasal septum showed an inflammatory change in the cartilage. Thus we diagnosed early-stage relapsing polychondritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Audiometry
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Nasal Mucosa / pathology
  • Nasal Septum / injuries*
  • Nasal Septum / pathology
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / complications*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / pathology*