Abstract
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem disorder of uncertain etiology. It is characterized by recurrent and progressive destruction of both elastic and hyaline cartilages as well as connective tissue. Respiratory tract involvement is associated with high mortality and morbidity. General anesthesia may be required in these patients for tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, nasal reconstruction, aortic valve replacement, and recent tracheobronchial stenting which they usually sustain. Tracheostomy was once the most likely surgical procedure in relapsing polychondritis. However, this procedure is only effective in patients with upper subglottic involvement. In cases of extensive tracheobronchial involvement, tracheostomy is ineffective because the distant tracheal collapse below the tracheostomy is still unresolved. We would like to report a case of relapsing polychondritis with tracheobronchial involvement, who underwent an emergent tracheostomy. Tracheostomy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) effectively improved her airway collapse. Herein, we also discuss the anesthetic management after review of the current literature.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 189-194 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Ma zui xue za zhi = Anaesthesiologica Sinica |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Polychondritis, relapsing
- Positive pressure respiration
- Postoperative complication: Dynamic airway collapse