The arthropathy of relapsing polychrondritis

Twenty-three adults (11 males and 12 females) with well-defined relapsing polychondritis (RP) are studied in order to characterize the arthropathy of RP. Arthritis was found in 19 patients-as the presenting feature in 8 and as a significant symptom in 11 others. The usual pattern of involvement was migratory, asymmetric, non-nodular, nonerosive, and seronegative, and affected large and small joints as well as parasternal articulations. In addition RP was seen in 3 patients with preexisting chronic polyarthritis or associated rheuamtic disease.