What disease destroys cartilage?
Relapsing polychondritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system begins to attack and destroy the cartilage tissues in the body. It has been postulated that both cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity are responsible.
Can relapsing polychondritis affect the spine?
The disease mostly affects cartilage (firm but flexible tissue) in your ears and joints. It also may show up in your nose, ribs, spine, and windpipe.
Can Polychondritis cause arthritis?
Symptoms of Relapsing Polychondritis Typically, one ear or both ears (but not the ear lobes) become red, swollen, and very painful. At the same time or later, a person can develop joint inflammation (arthritis), which may be mild or severe.
How do I know if I have relapsing polychondritis?
Signs & Symptoms Symptoms of relapsing polychondritis usually begin with the sudden onset of pain, tenderness and swelling of the cartilage of one or both ears. This inflammation may spread to the fleshy portion of the outer ear causing it to narrow. Attacks may last several days to weeks before subsiding.
Is there an autoimmune disease that attacks cartilage?
Whatever the cause, relapsing polychondritis is thought to be an autoimmune disease – a disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. In this case the immune system targets the cartilage.
Is Polychondritis an autoimmune disease?
The exact cause of relapsing polychondritis is not known. It is thought to be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body’s natural defenses against “foreign” or invading organisms (e.g., antibodies) begin to attack healthy tissue for unknown reasons.
Is relapsing polychondritis fatal?
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disease that can be fatal. This systemic condition with a predilection for cartilage can inflame the trachea, distal airways, ear and nose, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and brain.
Is relapsing polychondritis a rare disease?
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare degenerative disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of the cartilage in the body.
Who treats relapsing polychondritis?
Cardiologists, neurologists, nephrologists, and otolaryngologists may be asked to manage other aspects of relapsing polychondritis. Plastic surgeons can aid in nasal reconstruction if saddle-nose deformity is present.
How do you know if you have relapsing polychondritis?
What is relapsing polychondritis (RP)?
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a severe, episodic, and progressive inflammatory condition involving cartilaginous structures, predominantly those of the ears, nose, and laryngotracheobronchial tree. Other affected structures may include the eyes, cardiovascular system, peripheral joints, skin, middle and inner ear, and central nervous system.
What causes cartilage destruction in relapsing polychondritis (RP)?
Ouchi N., Uzuki M., Kamataki A., Miura Y., Sawai T. Cartilage destruction is partly induced by the internal proteolytic enzymes and apoptotic phenomenon of chondrocytes in relapsing polychondritis. J. Rheumatol. 2011;38:730–737. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.101044.
What are chondritis and polyarthritis in rheumatoid arthritis (RP)?
Chondritis and polyarthritis are the most common clinical features of RP but, since inflammation of cartilaginous tissue potentially may occur at many anatomical districts, the disease often presents with various combinations of heterogeneous, only apparently unrelated, signs and symptoms.
What is the prognosis of auricular polychondritis?
The external ear is affected in up to 88% of cases, and recurrent auricular chondritis can lead to permanent damage. Relapsing polychondritis usually manifests as cellulitis of one or both pinna. Because cartilage is lacking, the earlobes are typically spared.