F-18 FDG PET/CT in relapsing polychondritis.

We report a case of relapsing polychondritis for which fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) showed increased FDG accumulation in all rib cartilages, as well as in the larynx, trachea, and major bronchi. Contrast-enhanced CT during PET/CT showed smooth tracheal and bronchial wall thickening with calcification and airway narrowing. After steroid therapy, clinical symptoms and laboratory data were improved and cartilaginous FDG accumulation had completely disappeared. FDG PET/CT is considered to be a powerful radiological tool to assess the disease activity of relapsing polychondritis.