Also known as: Atrophic polychondritisand
or Systemic chondromalacia, red ear syndrome.
| Relapsing Polychondritis |
Chondritis means inflammation of
cartilage.Relapsing polychondritis is a rare chronic disorder of the cartilage
that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of the cartilage of
various tissues of the body. The aetiology remains unknown.
Tissues containing cartilage that can
become inflamed include the ears, nose, joints, spine, and windpipe (trachea).
The eyes, heart, and blood vessels, which have a biochemical makeup similar to
that of cartilage, can also be affected.
The term 'relapsing polychondritis' (RP)
was first used in 19602 to describe a very rare disease which is characterised
by recurrent episodes of inflammation of cartilaginous structures and other
connective tissues, which may involve many organs. It can involve all types of cartilage
including that of joints, tracheo-bronchial tree, ear and nose and connective
tissues rich in proteoglycans, such as in the heart, eye, blood vessels and
inner ear.
Causes
The cause of relapsing polychondritis is
unknown. It is suspected that this condition is caused by
"autoimmunity." Autoimmunity is characterized by a misdirected immune
system. This results in inflammation in various tissues of the body.
