Relapsing polychondritis with aortitis without valvular involvement

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology that mainly involves the cartilaginous portions of the ear, nose, and trachea. Occasionally, there is involvement of the cardiovascular system, which usually results in severe morbidity and mortality. The most common manifestation of cardiovascular involvement is aortic root dilation resulting in aortic regurgitation. We describe the first case in Korea, a 51-year-old woman with relapsing polychondritis with aortitis, but without aortic valve involvement. She presented only with complaints of abdominal pain, and was successfully treated with corticosteroids and methotrexate.