Relapsing Polychondritis By Alana M Nevares, MD, The University of Vermont Medical Center Reviewed / Revised Oct 2022 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Relapsing Polychondritis (Ear) Relapsing polychondritis is a rare, episodic, inflammatory, and destructive disorder involving primarily cartilage of the ear and nose but also potentially affecting the eyes, tracheobronchial tree, heart valves, kidneys, joints, skin, and blood vessels.