Relapsing Polychondritis
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is relapsing polychondritis?
Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the
cartilage that is characterized by recurrent episodes of
inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body.
Tissues containing cartilage that can become inflamed include the
ears, nose, joints, spine, and windpipe (trachea). The eyes, heart,
and blood vessels, which have a biochemical makeup similar to that of
cartilage, can also be affected.
What causes relapsing polychondritis?
The cause of relapsing polychondritis is unknown. It is suspected
that this condition is caused by an immune system disorder
(autoimmunity) in which the body's immunity system (which normally
fights off invaders of the body, particularly infections) is
misguided. This results in inflammation that is directed at various
tissues of the body.
What are symptoms of relapsing polychondritis?
Typically, relapsing polychondritis causes sudden pain in the
inflamed tissue at the onset of the disease. Common symptoms are
pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness in one or both ears, the
nose, throat, joints, and/or eyes. Fever, fatigue, and weight loss often develop.
Inflammation of the ears and nose can cause deformity (saddle nose
deformity and floppy ears) from weakened cartilage. Impaired hearing,
balance, and nausea can be caused by inner ear inflammation.
Inflammation of the windpipe or trachea can lead to throat pain,
hoarseness, and breathing difficulty. This is a potentially
dangerous area of inflammation in patients with relapsing
polychondritis, which can require assisted breathing methods when
severe.
Joint inflammation (arthritis) can cause pain, swelling, and
stiffness of the joints, including of the hands, knees, ankles,
wrists, and feet.
Eye inflammation can be mild or severe and can damage vision.
Cataracts can be caused by the inflammation or from the cortisone
used to treat relapsing polychondritis (see below).
Other tissues that can develop inflammation include the aorta (which
can lead to aneurysm or aortic valve weakness), tissues in or around
the heart (myocarditis and pericarditis), the skin (vasculitis), and
the nerves from the brain (cranial nerve palsies).
Next: How is relapsing polychondritis diagnosed? »
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Last Editorial Review: 9/17/2007
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