RT Book, Section A1 Langford, Carol A. A2 Loscalzo, Joseph A2 Fauci, Anthony A2 Kasper, Dennis A2 Hauser, Stephen A2 Longo, Dan A2 Jameson, J. Larry SR Print(0) ID 1198714645 T1 Relapsing Polychondritis T2 Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21e YR 2022 FD 2022 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781264268504 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1198714645 RD 2024/03/28 AB Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon disorder of unknown cause characterized by inflammation of cartilage predominantly affecting the ears, nose, and laryngotracheobronchial tree. Multisystem disease occurs commonly and can also involve noncartilaginous tissues and organs. Relapsing polychondritis has been estimated to have an annual incidence of 3.5 per million. The peak age of onset is between 40 and 50 years, but the disease can be seen in all ages with both sexes being equally affected. Approximately 30% of patients with relapsing polychondritis will have another rheumatologic disorder, most frequently systemic vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nonrheumatic disorders have also been associated with relapsing polychondritis (Table 366-1). In most cases, these disorders antedate the appearance of relapsing polychondritis, usually by months or years; however, in other instances, the onset of relapsing polychondritis can accompany disease presentation.