Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
The ocular manifestations of relapsing polychondritis
Kevin Gallagher1, Ahmed Al-Janabi2, Aijing Wang2
1Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Tonypandy, CF40 2LX, Wales, UK. kevin.gallagher@wales.nhs.uk.
Purpose:
Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare, multi-system, inflammatory disorder. Ocular disease is estimated to occur in 14-67% of patients with RPC, and any ocular structure can be affected. Published case reports and series of RPC were analysed to determine the frequency and nature of the ocular manifestations of RPC, including the age and gender distribution.
Methods:
A literature search of the MEDLINE database for case reports and series on RPC was conducted in October 2021 using search terms [relapsing polychondritis (MeSH Major Topic)] OR [relapsing polychondritis (Title/Abstract)]. Articles were included if the diagnosis of RPC was confirmed using established diagnostic criteria and if the paper described the clinical features of patients with RPC.
Results:
546 articles (454 case reports and 92 case series) described the clinical features in a total of 2414 patients with RPC. 49% of patients with RPC had ocular involvement, and this was a presenting feature in 21%. The most common ocular manifestations were scleritis (32%), episcleritis (31%) and uveitis (23%).
Conclusion:
Many patients with RPC will be seen by an ophthalmologist during the course of their disease. Knowledge and awareness of RPC and its ocular manifestations is therefore essential to enable the ophthalmologist to make the diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

