[Relapsing polychondritis]

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a systemic inflammatory condition leading to irreversible structural changes in cartilaginous tissue as a result of generalized proteoglycane decomposition. Auricular and nasal cartilage is usually the first to be affected at the onset of the disease which leads to episcleritis. At the later stages, the larynx and trachea become involved, vasculitis develops affecting the organs of hearing, coronary arteries, kidneys, meninges, and other organs. The disease has an intermittent, recurrent character. The clinical course of RP is irregular. The disease is a rare occurrence and difficult to diagnose. The present review is based on the publications by domestic and foreign authors. It is intended to enhance awareness of the clinical picture and peculiarities of RP among clinicians with a view to improving its diagnostics.