Relapsing polychondritis (also known as "Atrophic polychondritis," and "Systemic chondromalacia") is a condition characterized by inflammation and deterioration of cartilage. Although the disease usually causes pain and deformity if unrecognized and untreated, it can be life-threatening when respiratory tract, heart valves or blood vessels are affected. The disease is not well known, and often undiagnosed.
It is also known as chronic atrophic polychondritis, Meyenburg-Altherr-Uehlinger syndrome, von Meyenburg's disease, generalized chondromalacia, and systemic chondromalacia.
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