Relapsing Polychondritis Overview

Save information for later
Sign Up

Learn About Relapsing Polychondritis

What is the definition of Relapsing Polychondritis?
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is characterized by recurrent swelling and inflammation of cartilage and other tissues throughout the body. Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones at a joint and gives shape and support to other parts of the body. Other parts of the body that may be involved are the airways (trachea), costal (rib) cartilage, eyes, heart, vascular (veins) system, skin, kidney, and nervous system. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person depending on which parts of the body are affected. The exact underlying cause of RP is unknown. There are thought to be genetic and other unknown factors involved. RP often occurs along with autoimmune conditions. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and clinical examination. Other more common conditions may need to be excluded before RP can be diagnosed.
What are the alternative names for Relapsing Polychondritis?
  • Relapsing polychondritis
  • Chronic atrophic polychondritis
  • Polychondropathia
  • Recurrent polychondritis
Who are the top Relapsing Polychondritis Local Doctors?
Elite in Relapsing Polychondritis
Dr. Peter A. Merkel
Rheumatology
Elite in Relapsing Polychondritis
Dr. Peter A. Merkel
Rheumatology

Perelman Center For Advanced Medicine

3400 Civic Center Boulevard, South Pavilion, 1st Floor, 
Philadelphia, PA 
215-662-2454
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Peter Merkel is a Rheumatologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Merkel is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Relapsing Polychondritis. His top areas of expertise are Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Vasculitis, Microscopic Polyangiitis, Takayasu Arteritis, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Merkel is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Relapsing Polychondritis
Dr. Shubhasree Banerjee
Rheumatology
Elite in Relapsing Polychondritis
Dr. Shubhasree Banerjee
Rheumatology

Penn Rheumatology University City

3737 Market Street, 8th Floor, 
Philadelphia, PA 
215-662-2454
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Shubhasree Banerjee is a Rheumatologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Banerjee is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Relapsing Polychondritis. Her top areas of expertise are Relapsing Polychondritis, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), Temporal Arteritis, and Juvenile Temporal Arteritis. Dr. Banerjee is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Elite in Relapsing Polychondritis
Jun Shimizu
Elite in Relapsing Polychondritis
Jun Shimizu
Tokyo, JP 

Jun Shimizu practices in Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Shimizu is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Relapsing Polychondritis. His top areas of expertise are Relapsing Polychondritis, Myositis, Inclusion Body Myositis, Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease (NIID), and Thymectomy.

View All Doctors
What are the latest Relapsing Polychondritis Clinical Trials?
Studies of the Natural History, Pathogenesis, and Outcome of Idiopathic Systemic Vasculitis
Studies of the Natural History, Pathogenesis, and Outcome of Idiopathic Systemic Vasculitis
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: November 26, 2025

Background: \- Vasculitis is a group of diseases that inflame and damage blood vessels and tissue. It can cause many medical problems. Few tests can diagnose the disease, and none can reliably predict a relapse. Researchers want to study people s genes and follow people over time to see how the disease affects them.

Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
Pragmatic, Open-Label, Two-Stage, Pilot Study of Effectiveness of Immunomodulatory Medications for Patients With Relapsing Polychondritis
Pragmatic, Open-Label, Two-Stage, Pilot Study of Effectiveness of Immunomodulatory Medications for Patients With Relapsing Polychondritis
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 22, 2025
Intervention Type: Biological, Drug
Study Phase: Phase 2

Summary: Open label pragmatic two-stage non-randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of five different standard of care treatment options for patients with relapsing polychondritis (RP).

View All Clinical Trials
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 02, 2022
Published By: Genetic and Rare Diseases Informnation Center