Overview
MAGIC syndrome stands for Mouth And Genital ulcers with Inflamed Cartilage. It is an extremely rare condition that combines features of two other diseases: Behçet's disease and relapsing polychondritis. People with MAGIC syndrome experience painful ulcers (sores) in the mouth and on the genitals, along with inflammation of cartilage in various parts of the body, such as the ears, nose, and airways. The cartilage inflammation can cause the affected areas to become red, swollen, and tender. The condition is considered an overlap syndrome because it shares features of both Behçet's disease (which causes recurring ulcers and blood vessel inflammation) and relapsing polychondritis (which causes cartilage to become inflamed and break down over time). Some patients may also experience joint pain, skin problems, eye inflammation, and blood vessel issues. The disease tends to follow a relapsing and remitting course, meaning symptoms come and go over time. Treatment for MAGIC syndrome focuses on controlling inflammation and managing symptoms. Doctors commonly use corticosteroids (such as prednisone) to reduce inflammation during flares. Other medications that suppress the immune system, such as colchicine, dapsone, methotrexate, azathioprine, or biologic therapies, may be used to prevent flares and reduce the need for long-term steroid use. Because the condition is so rare, there is no standardized treatment protocol, and care is often tailored to each patient's specific symptoms.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painful mouth ulcers that keep coming backGenital ulcers or soresRed, swollen, and painful ears (inflamed ear cartilage)Swollen or tender nose bridgeJoint pain and swellingEye redness and inflammationSkin rashes or nodulesHoarseness or breathing difficulty from airway cartilage inflammationFatigueFever during flaresSaddle nose deformity from cartilage damageFloppy or drooping ears from cartilage loss
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for MAGIC syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for MAGIC syndrome at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to MAGIC syndrome.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with MAGIC syndrome.
Start the conversation →Latest news about MAGIC syndrome
No recent news articles for MAGIC syndrome.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which of my symptoms are most concerning, and how will we monitor them over time?,What medications do you recommend, and what are the potential side effects?,How often will I need blood tests and follow-up appointments?,Are there warning signs of airway involvement that I should watch for at home?,Should I see an eye doctor regularly even if I don't have eye symptoms yet?,Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments that could help manage my symptoms?,What should I do if I experience a severe flare outside of office hours?
Common questions about MAGIC syndrome
What is MAGIC syndrome?
MAGIC syndrome stands for Mouth And Genital ulcers with Inflamed Cartilage. It is an extremely rare condition that combines features of two other diseases: Behçet's disease and relapsing polychondritis. People with MAGIC syndrome experience painful ulcers (sores) in the mouth and on the genitals, along with inflammation of cartilage in various parts of the body, such as the ears, nose, and airways. The cartilage inflammation can cause the affected areas to become red, swollen, and tender. The condition is considered an overlap syndrome because it shares features of both Behçet's disease (whic
How is MAGIC syndrome inherited?
MAGIC syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does MAGIC syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of MAGIC syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat MAGIC syndrome?
4 specialists and care centers treating MAGIC syndrome are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.