RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a recurrent, chronic und rare disease of unknown etiology, characterized by inflammation of cartilaginous s tructures of the ears, nose, respiratory tract and joints. The associa tion with HLA-DR4 and the occurrence of antibodies to type-II collagen and other autoantibodies suggest that an immunologic mechanism is inv olved in its pathogenesis. In about 30% of occurrences RP is associate d with other rheumatic or autoimmune diseases. Occular inflammation, i nvolvement of the cardiovascular system, skin, central nervous system and audiovestibular organ are most probably caused by vasculitis. The course of RP is variable. Severity and outcome primarily depend on the occurrence of associated autoimmune diseases and vasculitis. Accordin g to the activity and systemic manifestations, medical treatment inclu des nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents.