Unusual association between Budd–Chiari syndrome secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome and relapsing polychondritis: a case report and review of the literature

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare immune-mediated condition, characterized by episodic inflammation of the cartilaginous tissue, in particular the ears, nose, and eyes, and involvement of joints and respiratory tract. Nearly one third of patients showed other associated diseases, such as systemic vasculitides, connective tissue diseases, or myelodysplastic syndromes. Antiphospholipid antibodies can be found in relapsing polychondritis in patients with no clinical thrombotic disease. However, when antiphospholipid syndrome is present, its clinical manifestations can be severe and life threatening. We describe the case of a patient with relapsing polychondritis associated to Budd–Chiari syndrome due to antiphospholipid syndrome. The present clinical observations together with the updated review of the literature suggest a search for antiphospholipid antibodies in all patients with relapsing polychondritis.