[Relapsing polychondritis and cartilage]

Abstract

Atrophic polychondritis (APC) results from elective lesions of the components of elastic cartilage. Clinical criteria have been established in terms of the incidence of auricular, nasal, ocular, tracheobronchial or cochlear involvement. However, recent clinical and pathological reviews have shown the frequency and severity of vascular lesions, aortic as well as peripheral. Several pathological mechanisms probably participate together in the destruction of elastic cartilage. A direct enzyme abnormality of glycoaminoglycanes and of elastic tissue are believed to be interlinked with an auto-immune process bringing type II anticollagen antibodies into play.