Radiographic abnormalities of Relapsing Polychondritis
Soft-tissue radiographs of the neck may demonstrate narrowing of the tracheal air column, suggestive of tracheal stenosis. A CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs can more accurately define the degree of tracheal narrowing and inflammation as well as characterize the remainder of the respiratory tree. Patients with RPC and respiratory tree involvement may suffer from dynamic airway collapse; as such, CT scans should ideally include an “airway protocol” that captures dynamic images in expiration to improve sensitivity for detection of abnormalities (standard CT images are typically obtained on inspiration only).
Radiographs of the joints may occasionally demonstrate periarticular osteopenia. Erosions are not seen unless the patient has associated rheumatoid arthritis.