POS1373 DEFINING EAR CHONDRITIS: DATA FROM 685 PATIENTS WITH RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS

Background: Ear chondritis is often considered the pathognomonic feature of relapsing polychondritis (RP). Although painful redness and swelling pinna a resultant cauliflower ear are universally recognized as chondritis, complete spectrum symptoms associated with have not been well described. Objectives: The study objective was to seek patient input help characterize An online survey administered in English or Spanish participants self-reported RP. Methods: Participants were asked questions about their pain, including quality, location, duration, aggravating/alleviating factors, timing onset duration. included who reported age ≥ 18 years, diagnosis RP confirmed by physician, sufficient meet McAdams Damiani’s diagnostic criteria. categorized having “typical chondritis” if they pain localized swelling. Atypical presentations also considered. Results: A total 685 from five continents completed survey. Among them, 659 met inclusion criteria for subsequent analysis. Most female (n=574; 87%), white (n=548; 83%) United States (n=484;74%). median 50 years (interquartile range = 41-58). In total, 593 (90%) patients 227 (38%) had chondritis”, 98 (16%) ear. most commonly described burning (n=334, 56%) throbbing (n=295, 50%). common location (n=373, 63%). (n=454, 60%) (n=405, 62%). Some experienced only without (n=286, 48%) (n=71, 12%). aggravating factors minor trauma (n=371, 62%) stress (n=358, 60%). alleviating factor avoidance touching (n=374, Pain frequently during daytime (n=355, likely occur either at different times (n=310, 52%). Onset could be gradual (n=198, 33%) sudden (n=155, 26%). typically lasted few hours (n=175, 30%) 2-3 days (n=130, 22%). majority other parts (e.g. mastoid process, inner ear, whole ear) some point (n=394, 67%). (n=57, 58%) followed inside (n=53, 54%). least two types (n=420, 64%). Conclusion: has wide clinical characteristics beyond typical triad redness, swelling, pinna. description significantly varies within same patient. Knowledge various distinct involvement may physicians recognize monitor disease more effectively. Disclosure Interests: None declared