relapsing polychondritis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare condition affecting tissues with a high glycosaminoglycan content, for example cartilage, aorta, sclera, cornea, and parts of the ear.

Clinical manifestations include recurrent chondritis of the auricles, nasal cartilage, and tracheal and laryngeal cartilage. Also there may be a non-erosive polyarthritis and inflammation of the eye e.g. conjunctivitis, keratitis, scleritis.

Treatment is with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs