The Damiani and Levine criteria is a clinical calculator used for the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis, a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation and deterioration of cartilage. This calculator is applicable to patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of relapsing polychondritis, such as pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in various parts of the body where cartilage is present.
The Damiani and Levine criteria is clinically useful in guiding the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis, which can be challenging due to its rarity and the wide range of clinical manifestations. The criteria include specific clinical features such as auricular chondritis, nasal chondritis, ocular inflammation, respiratory tract chondritis, and audiovestibular damage.
There are no specific exclusion criteria for the use of the Damiani and Levine criteria. However, it should be noted that the criteria should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools and clinical judgment, as the presence of these features alone does not confirm the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis. Other conditions that can mimic relapsing polychondritis should also be ruled out.
Reference
J M Damiani, H L Levine. Relapsing polychondritis – report of ten cases. Laryngoscope. 1979 Jun;89(6 Pt 1):929-46.
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