| Relapsing polychondritis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Atrophic polychondritis,[1] systemic chondromalacia,[1] chronic atrophic polychondritis, Meyenburg-Altherr-Uehlinger syndrome, generalized chondromalacia |
 | |
| Ear inflammation with sparing of ear lobe in a person with relapsing polychondritis[2] | |
| Specialty | Rheumatology, Immunology |
Relapsing polychondritis is a systemic disease characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation and in some cases deterioration of cartilage. The disease can be life-threatening if the respiratory tract, heart valves, or blood vessels are affected. The exact mechanism is poorly understood.
The diagnosis is reached on the basis of the symptoms and supported by investigations such as blood tests and sometimes other investigations. Treatment may involve symptomatic treatment with painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications, and more severe cases may require suppression of the immune system.
- ^ a b Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
- ^ Starr, JC; Taneja, N; Brasher, GW (2010). "Relapsing polychondritis following alopecia areata". Case Reports in Medicine. 2010: 623158. doi:10.1155/2010/623158. PMC 2905706. PMID 20672055.