An inflammatory, autoimmune disorder that affects the cartilage and other connective tissues of the joints, as well as the ears, nose, larynx, trachea, eye, heart valves, kidney, and blood vessels. When the disorder affects the joints, the symptoms include pain and arthritis in large and small joints on both sides of the body. It is diagnosed by clinical history and laboratory tests. Mild cases are generally treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to relieve pain and inflammation. More severe cases may be treated with a corticosteroid drug such as prednisone and the most severe cases with immunosuppressive agents such as cyclophosphamide.
A rare inflammatory disease of cartilage associated with polyarthritis and involvement of the cartilage of the nose, ears, joints, bronchi, and trachea. It is most common between the ages of 40 and 60 years but may occur at any time. The cause is unknown. Because of the collapse of the bronchial walls, repeated infections of the lungs may occur, and death may result from respiratory compromise.