Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41968374›Full record

ArticleJournal of medical case reports2026

A case of relapsing polychondritis: a diagnostic challenge in recurrent cartilaginous inflammation and hearing loss-A case report.

Mohammedsefa Arusi Dari, Martha Mekonen Gdey, Zelalem Tadesse Wondimu, Nahom Chernet Assefa

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Article in Journal of medical case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Mohammedsefa Arusi DariOtolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. madyamxperia@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9372-8997
Martha Mekonen GdeyMekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Zelalem Tadesse WondimuDepartment of Internal Medicine, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia.
Nahom Chernet AssefaDepartment of Pediatrics, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionRelapsing polychondritis is a rare, systemic autoimmune condition characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilaginous tissues. Its symptoms are often nonspecific and can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. This case report emphasizes the need for clinicians to recognize the potential for relapsing polychondritis in patients presenting with recurrent episodes of cartilaginous inflammation and sudden hearing loss, as early intervention is crucial in preventing irreversible damage. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, a 24-year-old Ethiopian male, presented with a history of recurrent ocular symptoms, including red eyes and nasal issues such as bloody tinged discharge and septal perforation. Accompanying symptoms included a dry, intermittent cough, shallow breathing, and chest pain. Each episode was managed effectively with a short course of oral or topical corticosteroids, alongside antihistamines and antibiotics. Despite these interventions, the patient later developed bilateral aural perichondritis, followed by a sudden onset of severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. A comprehensive clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations were conducted to confirm the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis.

conclusionThis case underscores the critical importance of considering relapsing polychondritis in patients with recurrent cartilaginous inflammation and sudden hearing loss. The patient's delayed diagnosis led to permanent hearing impairment, highlighting the necessity for heightened awareness and prompt treatment to mitigate the potential for lasting consequences. Early recognition and management of relapsing polychondritis can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Indexed as

Hearing Loss, SensorineuralHearing Loss, SuddenPolychondritis, RelapsingHumansInflammationMaleTreatment OutcomeYoung AdultCase reportHearing lossInflammationRelapsing polychondritisSeptal perforation

Identifiers

PMID41968374
PMCPMC13185231

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