[Measurement of anti-type II collagen antibody diagnosis and follow-up useful in a case of relapsing polychondritis].

A 68-year-old man had been suffering from swelling and deformation of both auricles, hoarseness, hearing loss, and a productive cough since November, 1999. Elevation of the inflammatory reaction was noted, together with swelling of the glottis and inflammation of the bronchial mucosa on bronchoscopy. Relapsing polychondritis was diagnosed when an auricle biopsy specimen demonstrated auricle chondritis. The laboratory findings revealed high titers of anti-type II collagen antibody. After steroid treatment, the symptoms improved and the titer of anti-type II collagen antibody decreased. The measurement of this antibody was useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease. To prevent the impairment of organs and sudden death, early diagnosis involving the use of anti-type II collagen antibody and the commencement of therapy are important in this disease.