Relapsing Polychondritis

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Abstract
Relapsing poly-chondritis, a connective tissue disease with inflammation of cartilaginous structures should be diagnosed by a combination of clinical and pathologic features. Chondritis of the ear and nose was the most common manifestation; one or both ears were involved in 13 of 14 cases, and the nose was involved in 12. Auditory impairment and ocular inflamma- tion were sometimes associated. Systemic reactions, relapses, anemia and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate were common. Rheumatoid factor was present in 2 of 3 females and in 1 male. Relapsing polychondritis was associated with definite rheumatoid arthritis in 3 cases and with systemic lupus-erythematosus and Hashimoto''s thyroiditis in 1 case each. Urinary carbazolecreatinine ratio increased temporarily with exacerbations of polychondritis. Biopsies of cartilage in 9 cases revealed inflammatory changes, chondrolysis, replacement of cartilaginous areas with fibrous tissue and loss of basophilia. Treatment includes the administration of corticosteroids and salicylates for suppression of inflammation.

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