Relapsing polychondritis: a review

Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Nov;32(11):1575-83. doi: 10.1007/s10067-013-2328-x. Epub 2013 Jul 26.

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystem disease involving the cartilaginous and proteoglycan rich structures. The spectrum of clinical presentations may vary from intermittent episodes of painful and often disfiguring auricular and nasal chondritis, to occasional organ or even life-threatening manifestations like airway collapse. There is lack of awareness about this disease due to its rarity. Relapsing polychondritis disease activity index has recently been validated and may help in clinical decision making and research. This article reviews the literature on this disease entity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / diagnosis*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / drug therapy*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / physiopathology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones