relapsing polychondritis

pathology

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects cartilage throughout the body. It typically begins in middle age and is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation that can last for weeks to months.12

The most frequently affected areas are the external ear and nose, which can become disfigured over time, leading to a "cauliflower ear" appearance. Other common symptoms include joint pain and swelling due to inflammation of joint cartilage, which can lead to disabling degenerative joint disease. Involvement of the trachea (windpipe) can cause respiratory obstruction or recurrent pneumonia. Eye inflammation and inner ear issues, potentially causing deafness, can also occur.12

While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be an abnormal immune response. Corticosteroid medications can help manage the acute symptoms, but the damage to cartilage is permanent.21

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connective tissue disease
Relapsing polychondritis
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare inflammatory disease that primarily affects cartilage. It begins usually in the fourth or fifth decade and is marked by recurrent periods of inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body, lasting several weeks to months. The…
Read More
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare inflammatory disease that primarily affects cartilage. It begins usually in the fourth or fifth decade and is marked by recurrent periods of inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body, lasting several weeks to months. The…
Read More

polychondritis
Polychondritis also may affect the inner ear and cause deafness, or it may cause inflammation of the eyes. Corticosteroid medications are administered to moderate the symptoms of the disease, but the effects on the cartilage cannot be reversed.
Read More
Polychondritis also may affect the inner ear and cause deafness, or it may cause inflammation of the eyes. Corticosteroid medications are administered to moderate the symptoms of the disease, but the effects on the cartilage cannot be reversed.
Read More