Increased cartilagenous uptake on bone scintigraphy in a patient with relapsing polychondritis

A patient with relapsing polychondritis and increased uptake on bone scintigraphy (using 99mTc-MDP) in the cartilagenous parts of the ribs, the sternum and in the larynx region is described. A biopsy of a costochondral junction (where uptake on the bone scan was increased) was compatible with relapsing polychondritis. After treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine the patient improved and a repeated bone scan (after six years) showed less intensive uptake. (orig.)