Relapsing polychondritis affecting the lower respiratory tract

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2002 Jan;178(1):173-7. doi: 10.2214/ajr.178.1.1780173.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the CT findings of lower respiratory tract involvement by relapsing polychondritis.

Conclusion: The most common CT manifestations were increased attenuation and smooth thickening of airway walls. Tracheal or bronchial stenosis was less common. Airway collapse and lobar air trapping were seen in half of patients examined with expiratory CT.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Airway Obstruction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchial Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchiectasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*