Sjogren’s, systemic lupus and relapsing polychondritis. A diverse array of autoimmune diseases in one patient. Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare inflammatory disorder that affects the cartilaginous structures with variable clinical and laboratory manifestations. Although it is commonly associated with other diseases, it has been only rarely reported to be associated with either systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjogren syndrome (SS). In this report, we describe the case of a middle-aged lady who presented with right ear pain, redness, swelling and tenderness along with high inflammatory markers. She was found to have symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes along with arthritis, rash and photosensitivity. Serological workup revealed the positivity of ANA, anti-RO, U1-RNP, and anti-smith antibodies. With these clinical and serological results, she was diagnosed with RPC and with both SLE and SS, an overlap we believe was never reported before. In conclusion, RPC can be associated with other rheumatological diseases and rarely with more than a disease in one patient. Careful assessment is needed to diagnose and treat such patients.