[Relapsing polychondritis: a diversified disease picture].

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare, at times fatal systemic disease involving inflammatory destruction mainly of cartilaginous structures. The sensory organs, respiratory tract, cardiovascular system and kidneys are most frequently involved. Based on the current state of knowledge it seems probable that relapsing polychondritis is an autoimmune disease. Early involvement of the respiratory tract and kidneys, anemia, arthritis and saddle-nose deformity are associated with poor prognosis. 2 cases of relapsing polychondritis (one with erosive symmetrical polyarthritis and the second with massive involvement of the respiratory tract) are presented.