[Chronic recurrent polychondritis]

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a recurrent, chronic und rare disease of unknown etiology, characterized by inflammation of cartilaginous structures of the ears, nose, respiratory tract and joints. The association with HLA-DR4 and the occurrence of antibodies to type-II collagen and other autoantibodies suggest that an immunologic mechanism is involved in its pathogenesis. In about 30% of occurrences RP is associated with other rheumatic or autoimmune diseases. Ocular inflammation, involvement 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. According to the activity and systemic manifestations, medical treatment includes nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents.