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Relapsing polychondritis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

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HardPregnancy and Rare Rheumatic DiseaseRelapsing polychondritisSCE Rheumatology

A patient with relapsing polychondritis develops hoarseness, stridor and a flattened expiratory flow–volume loop. What complication requires urgent assessment?

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Correct answer: C — Inflammatory tracheobronchial stenosis with dynamic airway collapse

Laryngotracheobronchial chondritis can produce fixed stenosis and tracheobronchomalacia and is a major cause of death in relapsing polychondritis. Urgent airway imaging, bronchoscopy where safe and combined respiratory, ENT and rheumatology management are required.

Reference: Relapsing polychondritis: state-of-the-art review (Published 2018): https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/57/9/1525/4831097; National clinical practice guideline for relapsing polychondritis (Published 2022): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9257722/