relapsing polychondritis

Posted By Ellen O. on September 01, 1997 at 15:37:00:









I understand that relapsing polychondritis can have effects on the heart.
What kinds of effects are there and how are they best assessed?  Also, can
this be caused by a vascular injury, or is it always considered an autoimmune
problem?  My situation is that I have only breathing problems, no outer ear
or eye problems.  I do have a mild hearing loss, which could come under
"cochlear dysfunction", one of the criteria for RP diagnosis.  Mainly my
difficulty is respiratory chondritis.  As for my heart, it sure doesn't feel
right, but that may be a result of not breathing well.
Thanks.