Derm Cases · Dermatology / Rheumatology / ENT
OSCE — Relapsing polychondritis: lobule-sparing ear, airway, steroids
Eight-minute OSCE on recognising lobule-sparing auricular chondritis, multi-site RP assessment, airway red flags, and immunosuppressive management including VEXAS awareness.
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Study tools
Target exams
NEET-PGINICETPLABMRCPFRCDerm
Prompt
Eight-minute OSCE on recognising lobule-sparing auricular chondritis, multi-site RP assessment, airway red flags, and immunosuppressive management including VEXAS awareness.
Brief (to candidate)
A middle-aged adult has recurrent painful red ears sparing the lobules and new hoarseness. Diagnose, risk-stratify the airway, and outline treatment in 8 minutes.
[10]Examiner checklist
| Domain | Expected |
|---|---|
| Recognition | Lobule-sparing auricular chondritis = RP pattern |
| Systems review | Nose, airway, eyes, joints, heart, hearing |
| Airway | Hoarseness/stridor → urgent ENT |
| Differentials | Infection post-piercing, GPA, VEXAS |
| Treatment | Systemic steroids for organ threat; steroid-sparers/biologics pathway |
| Communication | Explain relapsing nature and red-flag symptoms |
Common errors
- Antibiotics only without systemic work-up
- Missing airway risk
- No GPA/VEXAS consideration
References4ShowHide
- [1]Mertz P, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Ferrada MA, et al. Relapsing polychondritis: clinical updates and new differential diagnoses. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2024.PMID 38698240
- [2]Petitdemange A, Sztejkowski C, Damian L, et al. Treatment of relapsing polychondritis: a systematic review. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 2022.PMID 35238756
- [9]Michet CJ Jr, McKenna CH, Luthra HS, et al. Relapsing polychondritis. Survival and predictive role of early disease manifestations. Annals of Internal Medicine, 1986.PMID 3484422
- [10]Handa H, Ooka S, Shimizu J, et al. Evaluation of airway involvement and treatment in patients with relapsing polychondritis Sci Rep, 2023.PMID 37221366