Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare immune-mediated disease that may affect multiple organs. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of inflammation of cartilaginous structures and other connective tissues, rich in glycosaminoglycan. Clinical symptoms concentrate in auricles, nose, larynx, upper airways, joints, heart, blood vessels, inner ear, cornea and sclera. Diagnosis of the disease is based on the Minnesota diagnostic criteria of 1986 and RP has to be suspected when the inflammatory bouts involve at least two of the typical sites - auricular, nasal, laryngo-tracheal or one of the typical sites and two other - ocular, statoacoustic disturbances (hearing loss and/or vertigo) and arthritis. The disease is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucocorticoids in combination with other immunosuppressants. Currently, biological therapy is being researched for use in treatment of severe resistant forms. This therapy may play a role in treatment of severe resistant and relapsing forms.

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