Autoimmunity reviews
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Recent studies show that relapsing polychondritis patients with tracheobronchial involvement are distinct from others in terms of clinical characteristics, therapeutic management, and disease evolution. Tracheobronchial involvement affects 20 to 50% of patients and may reveal the disease. It should be sought at the time of diagnosis and at each follow-up visit. ⋯ Bronchoscopy and a fortiori endoscopic intervention should be considered with caution and performed only by expert endoscopists after careful evaluation of the risks and benefits of such procedures, which can lead to damage or perforation of the airways and bronchospasm. Early detection and management of tracheobronchial involvement in relapsing polychondritis has significantly improved the prognosis of patients, especially with the development of interventional fiberoptic bronchoscopy. However, relapsing polychondritis-related morbidity and mortality are still elevated, particularly in tracheobronchial disease.