chondritis

Chondritis is inflammation of cartilage. It most commonly involves the auricular cartilage of the outer ear (auricular chondritis) and the nasal cartilage, but it can affect cartilage throughout the body, including the trachea and costal cartilage. Chondritis can occur as an infectious process or as part of an autoimmune disorder, most notably relapsing polychondritis, a rare systemic condition.

Infectious chondritis usually follows trauma, ear piercing, burns, or local infection. It presents with localized redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness over the affected cartilage; the earlobe is typically spared. Fever may occur. Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and may be supported by cultures or Gram stain of surrounding tissue or purulent material to identify the pathogen. Imaging can help determine extent.

Relapsing polychondritis causes recurrent, systemic inflammation of cartilage at multiple sites and may be associated with other autoimmune features, such as eye or joint inflammation. Autoantibodies are not specific. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by the pattern of cartilage involvement and exclusion of infections or other diseases.

Treatment varies by type. Infectious chondritis is treated with targeted antibiotics and supportive care; drainage may be required for purulent collections. Relapsing polychondritis is managed with systemic immunosuppression, typically corticosteroids, and steroid-sparing agents like methotrexate or azathioprine; refractory cases may require other immunomodulators or biologics. Early recognition helps prevent cartilage damage and complications.

Prognosis depends on the underlying cause; infectious chondritis often resolves with treatment, while relapsing polychondritis can be chronic with potential for deformity and airway involvement.