The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
Rheumatology Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium UTJMS 2023 May 05; 11(1):e1-e1 

Relapsing Polychondritis: A Case Report of 
the Use of Adalimumab in Steroid 
Dependent Disease 
Taylor Dimmerling, MD1*, Mohamed Altattan, MD2, Nezam Altorok, MD2 

1Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 
2Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 

*Corresponding author: taylor.dimmerling@utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Introduction: Relapsing polychondritis is a rare chronic immune mediated disease characterized by 
inflammation in cartilaginous structures. The disease has traditionally been managed with systemic 
glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and 
mycophenoloate. 

Case Presentation: A 54 year old male with relapsoing polychondritis characterized by bilateral 
conjunctivitis and chondritis of the ear. The addition of adalimumab aided in tapering of high dose 
steroids after attempts with immunosuppressive agents were unsuccessful. 

Conclusion: Biologic therapy with TNF-alpa inhibition can be considered in patients with refractory or 
steroid dependent relapsing polychondritis. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-594 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-594
mailto:taylor.dimmerling@utoledo.edu