Relapsing Polychondritis: An Updated Review.
Relapsing polychondritis is an immune-mediated systemic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich tissues, resulting in progressive anatomical deformation and functional impairment of the involved structures. Auricular and nasal chondritis and/or polyarthritis represent the most common clinical features, but potentially all types of cartilage may be involved. Because of the pleomorphic nature of the disease, with non-specific symptoms at the onset, the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis is often delayed. In this review article we provide a comprehensive look into clinical presentation, laboratory and instrumental investigations, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options.
['Borgia|Francesco|F|', 'Giuffrida|Roberta|R|', 'Guarneri|Fabrizio|F|', 'Cannavò|Serafinella P|SP|']
relapsing polychondritis cartilage anti-type II collagen antibodies auricular chondritis systemic autoimmune disease