Abstract
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare inflammatory multiorgan disorder affecting cartilaginous structures and other connective tissues. Serious cardiovascular complications have been reported in patients with RP, the most frequent being aortic or mitral regurgitation and aortic aneurysms. Aortitis is a very rare complication. An unusual case of active aortitis in a patient with RP, despite intensive immunosupressive treatment, is described with a special emphasis on the pathological findings.
Key Words: relapsing polychondritis • aortitis • aortic regurgitation
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Figure 1 Spino-echo image of the aortic root and the ascending thoracic aorta acquired in a coronal plane. The ascending aorta, beyond the sinotubular junction, is dilated (arrow), with a maximum diameter of 6.0 cm.
Figure 2 Transverse section of opened ascending aorta showing thickening of all layers of the wall and intimal irregularity.
Figure 3 Medial layer of aortic wall showing microabscess formation containing neutrophils and cellular debris.