An acquired disease of unknown etiology, chronic course, and tendency to recur. it is characterized by inflammation and degeneration of cartilage and can result in deformities such as floppy ear and saddle nose. loss of cartilage in the respiratory tract can lead to respiratory obstruction.

Relapsing polychondritis is a systemic disease characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation and in some cases deterioration of cartilage. The disease can be life-threatening if the respiratory tract, heart valves, or blood vessels are affected...