Relapsing Polychondritis

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]

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]