부산대학교 도서관

Background. Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare disease characterized by recurrent inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous structures. Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a dreaded complication of RP. Case. A 66-year-old man was diagnosed as having RP at the age of 61 years. He was referred to our hospital in August 2010 due to progressive dyspnea. He was given a diagnosis of TBM secondary to RP. We decided to try non-invasive positive airway pressure ventilation (NPPV) with bilevel positive airway pressure. His symptoms disappeared, and he was subsequently discharged. However, his symptoms deteriorated again after 18 months, and he was re-admitted in January 2012. Intratracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were needed; therefore, an intratracheobronchial metallic stent was inserted into the trachea and both main bronchi. His respiratory condition improved, so he was weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged. The patient was followed-up for 42 months after initial diagnosis of TBM. Conclusion. This case of RP suggests that combined NPPV and intratracheobronchial metallic stenting may be an effective and well-tolerated multidisciplinary approach for RP patients with TBM.