National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Relapsing polychondritis


Other Names:
Chronic atrophic polychondritis; Recurrent polychondritis; Polychondropathia
Categories:
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilage and other tissues throughout the body. Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones at a joint, and gives shape and support to other parts of the body. Ear involvement is the most common feature, but a variety of other areas of the body may be affected, including the costal (rib) cartilage, eyes, nose, airways, heart, vascular (veins) system, skin, joints, kidney, and nervous system.[1][2] The signs and symptoms vary from person to person depending on which parts of the body are affected. The exact underlying cause of RP is unknown; however, scientists suspect that it is an autoimmune condition.[3][4] The primary goals of treatment for people with RP are to relieve present symptoms and to preserve the structure of the affected cartilage.[5][6]
Last updated: 4/21/2015
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilage (the tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones at a joint) and other tissues throughout the body. The features of the condition and the severity of symptoms vary significantly from person to person, but may include:[7][1][2]
  • Ear: The ears are the most commonly affected body part. Symptoms include a sudden onset of pain, swelling, and tenderness of the cartilage of one or both ears. The pinna usually loses firmness and becomes floppy; hearing impairment may also occur. Inflammation of the inner ear may also cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and/or ataxia.
  • Joint: The second most common finding is joint pain with or without arthritis.
  • Eye: Affected people may experience episcleritis, uveitis and/or scleritis. Scleritis may lead to a bluish or dark discoloration of the sclera (white of the eye) and may even be associated with vision loss in severe cases. Proptosis (bulging out of one or both eye balls) may also be a symptom of RP.
  • Nose: Nasal cartilage inflammation may lead to stuffiness, crusting, rhinorrhea, epistaxis (nose bleeds), compromised sense of smell and/or saddle nose deformity (a condition where the nose is weakened and thus "saddled" in the middle).
  • Airways: Inflammation may affect the larynx, trachea (windpipe), and bronchi (tubes that branch off the trachea and carry air to the lungs). Airway involvement may lead to a cough, wheezing, hoarseness and recurrent infections. It can become life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and managed.

Less commonly, RP may affect the heart, kidneys, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and/or vascular (veins) system. Nonspecific symptoms such as fever, weight loss, malaise, and fatigue may also be present.[2]

In approximately one third of affected people, RP is associated with other medical problems. Conditions reportedly associated with RP include hematological disease (including Hodgkin's lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes); gastrointestinal disorders (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); endocrine diseases (including diabetes mellitus type 1 and thyroid disorders) and others.[7]

Episodes of RP may last a few days or weeks and typically resolve with or without treatment. However, it is generally progressive, and many people have persistent symptoms in between flares.[7]
Last updated: 4/21/2015

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Showing of 39 |
Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Arthritis
Joint inflammation
0001369
Cataract
Clouding of the lens of the eye
Cloudy lens
[ more ] 		0000518
Chondritis
Cartilage inflammation
0100662
Chondritis of pinna 0200047
Large vessel vasculitis 0005310
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal aortic valve morphology 0001646
Atelectasis
Partial or complete collapse of part or entire lung
0100750
Cough
Coughing
0012735
Dyspnea
Trouble breathing
0002094
Limitation of joint mobility
Decreased joint mobility
Decreased mobility of joints
Limited joint mobility
Limited joint motion
[ more ] 		0001376
Pericarditis
Swelling or irritation of membrane around heart
0001701
Vertigo
Dizzy spell
0002321
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Abnormal endocardium morphology 0004306
Abnormal pattern of respiration
Abnormal respiratory patterns
Unusual breathing patterns
[ more ] 		0002793
Alopecia
Hair loss
0001596
Anteriorly placed anus 0001545
Arthralgia
Joint pain
0002829
Biparietal narrowing 0004422
Conjunctivitis
Pink eye
0000509
Cranial nerve paralysis 0006824
Dilatation
Wider than typical opening or gap
0002617
Episcleritis
Inflammation of the thin layer on top of the white part of eye
0100534
Erythema 0010783
Gangrene
Death of body tissue due to lack of blood flow or infection
0100758
Glomerulopathy 0100820
Hematuria
Blood in urine
0000790
Hepatitis
Liver inflammation
0012115
Keratitis
Corneal inflammation
0000491
Laryngomalacia
Softening of voice box tissue
0001601
Macule
Flat, discolored area of skin
0012733
Myocarditis
Inflammation of heart muscle
0012819
Proteinuria
High urine protein levels
Protein in urine
[ more ] 		0000093
Purpura
Red or purple spots on the skin
0000979
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Recurrent canker sores
0011107
Renal insufficiency
Renal failure
Renal failure in adulthood
[ more ] 		0000083
Scleritis 0100532
Sensorineural hearing impairment 0000407
Thrombophlebitis 0004418
Uveitis 0000554
Showing of 39 |
Last updated: 7/1/2020
The exact underlying cause of relapsing polychondritis (RP) is unknown. However, scientists suspect that it is an autoimmune condition. It it thought that RP occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cartilage and other tissues.[3] In general, autoimmune conditions are complex traits that are associated with the effects of multiple genes in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors.

There is also evidence to suggest that some people may be born with a genetic susceptibility to RP. Studies have found that people with RP are roughly twice as likely as those without this condition to carry a certain genetic allele called HLA-DR4. "HLA" stands for human leukocyte antigen, which is an important part of our immune system and plays a role in resistance and predisposition (risk) to disease. However, HLA genes are not solely responsible for specific diseases but instead may simply contribute along with other genetic or environmental factors to disease risk. Thus, many people with HLA-DR4 will never develop RP.[4][6]
Last updated: 4/21/2015
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is not passed through families in a clear-cut fashion. Most people with relapsing polychondritis do not have affected relatives.[6]

Like many other autoimmune conditions, RP is likely a multifactorial condition which is associated with the effects of multiple genes in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors. In general, having a first degree relative (for example a parent, child, or sibling) with an autoimmune condition may increase your personal risk for developing an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, no specific risk estimates are available for relapsing polychondritis.[8]
Last updated: 4/21/2015
There are no tests available that are specific for relapsing polychondritis (RP). A diagnosis is, therefore, generally based on the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms. For example, people may be diagnosed as having RP if they have three or more of the following features:[9]
  • Inflammation of the cartilage of both ears
  • Seronegative (negative for rheumatoid factor) polyarthritis (arthritis that involves 5 or more joints simultaneously)
  • Inflammation of the cartilage of the nose
  • Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis, episcleritis, scleritis, and/or uveitis)
  • Inflammation of the cartilage of the airway
  • Vestibular dysfunction (i.e. vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus)

In some cases, a biopsy of affected tissue may be necessary to support the diagnosis.[9]
Last updated: 4/21/2015
The primary goals of treatment for people with relapsing polychondritis (RP) are to relieve present symptoms and to preserve the structure of the affected cartilage. The main treatment for RP is corticosteroid therapy with prednisone to decrease the severity, frequency and duration of relapses. Higher doses are generally given during flares, while lower doses can typically be prescribed during periods of remission. Other medications reported to control symptoms include dapsone, colchicine, azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, cyclosporine and infliximab.[5][10]

People who develop severe heart or respiratory complications may require surgery.[6]

More detailed information about the management of RP is available on Medscape Reference's Web site and can be viewed by clicking here.
Last updated: 4/21/2015
The long-term outlook (prognosis) for people with relapsing polychondritis (RP) varies from person to person. In general, RP is a chronic and progressive (worsening overtime) condition. Some form of disability is common in the later stages of RP; these may include visual impairment, hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and/or cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) disease.[6]

Severe cases of RP can be life-threatening. Respiratory complications (windpipe collapse and infections) are the most common cause of death followed by cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) involvement.[10]

In recent years, improvements have been made in the outcomes of patients with RP. Survival rates have increased from 70% after 5 years, to 94% after 8 years and even 91% after 10 years in a recent study.[1]
Last updated: 4/21/2015

Related diseases are conditions that have similar signs and symptoms. A health care provider may consider these conditions in the table below when making a diagnosis. Please note that the table may not include all the possible conditions related to this disease.

Conditions with similar signs and symptoms from Orphanet
Differential diagnoses include granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Behçet disease, and leprosy.
Visit the Orphanet disease page for more information.

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Relapsing polychondritis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Patient Registry

  • The Autoimmune Registry supports research for Relapsing polychondritis by collecting information about patients with this and other autoimmune diseases. You can join the registry to share your information with researchers and receive updates about participating in new research studies. Learn more about registries.
  • The Translational Research Program at the Virginia Mason Benaroya Research Institute maintains a Patient Registry for relapsing polychondritis. To learn more, contact the study coordinator Sylvia Posso by calling 206-342-6975.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Parent and Caregiver Resources

  • In this NCATS Video Profile, Marcela Ferrada shares her story of living with relapsing polychondritis.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
  • The Merck Manual provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers. 
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Merck Manual for health care professionals provides information on Relapsing polychondritis.
  • MeSH® (Medical Subject Headings) is a terminology tool used by the National Library of Medicine. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Relapsing polychondritis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Puéchal X, Terrier B, Mouthon L, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Guillevin L, Le Jeunne C. Relapsing polychondritis. Joint Bone Spine. March 2014; 81(2):118-124.
  2. Clement J Michet, MD. Clinical manifestations of relapsing polychondritis. UpToDate. February 2015; Accessed 4/21/2015.
  3. Relapsing Polychondritis. NORD. March 2012; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/561/viewAbstract.
  4. Clement J Michet, MD. Etiology and pathogenesis of relapsing polychondritis. UpToDate. October 2013;
  5. Relapsing polychondritis. DermNet NZ. December 2013; http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermal-infiltrative/relapsing-polychondritis.html.
  6. Nicholas Compton, MD. Polychondritis. Medscape Reference. March 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331475-overview.
  7. Alexandros A. Drosos. Relapsing polychondritis. Orphanet Encyclopedia. October 2004; http://www.orpha.net/data/patho/GB/uk-RP.pdf. Accessed 12/19/2011.
  8. Autoimmune diseases fact sheet. Office of Women's Health. July 2012; http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/autoimmune-diseases.html#c.
  9. Clement J Michet, MD. Diagnostic evaluation of relapsing polychondritis. UpToDate. January 2015; Accessed 4/21/2015.
  10. Relapsing polychondritis. Orphanet. July 2014; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=728.