Relapsing Polychondritis Possibly Caused by Chronic Infection with Borrelia Burgdorferi: Case Report

Morariu SH¹, Badea MA¹, Cotoi OS², Vartolomei MD³, Badea Iudita-Maria⁴, Suciu M⁵, Buicu F⁶

1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures, Romania
2 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures, Romania, Department of Pathophysiology
3 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures, Romania, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
4 Clinic of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency County Hospital of Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
5 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures, Romania, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Oral Rehabilitation
6 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu-Mures, Romania, Department of Public Health and Medicines Management

DOI: 10.1515/amma-2015-0018

Introduction: Relapsing polychondritis has been described by Rudolph von Jaksch Warthenhorst in 1923 under the name of polichondropathy. Although the etiology is unknown, an autoimmune mechanism is likely due to formation of autoantibodies to type II collagen in the extracellular matrix of the cartilage with its consequent destruction.
Case report: We present a case with relapsing polychondritis according to McAdam and Damiani criteria and with positive Western blot reaction for Ac IgG anti Borrelia burgdorferi. Serological reaction became negative and the patient presented favorable evolution at 6 months follow-up after corticosteroid therapy and antibiotics.
Conclusion: Chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi may play a role in relapsing polychondritis determinism