Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Complication
Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis)
Giant cell arteritis, also called temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis, is a serious disease characterized by inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels (vasculitis). The vessels affected are the arteries Arm Pain (hence the name "arteritis"). Giant cell arteritis occurs in 10%-15% of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. The age of affected patients is over 50 years of age, identical to that of polymyalgia rheumatica.
Polymyalgia rheumatica facts
- Polymyalgia rheumatica causes pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica is diagnosed by characteristic symptoms associated with abnormal blood testing for inflammation Arm Pain.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica is treated with low doses of cortisone medications.
What is polymyalgia rheumatica?
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder of the muscles and joints characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, affecting both sides of the body, and involving the shoulders, Arm Pain, neck, and buttock areas. Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica are typically over 50 years of age. Polymyalgia rheumatica is abbreviated PMR.
Because both polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) sometimes occur in the same patient, both diseases are reviewed here.
What are polymyalgia rheumatica causes and risk factors?
The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is not known. Recent research has indicated that genetic (inherited) risk factors play a role in who becomes afflicted with the illness. Theories have included viral stimulation of the immune system in genetically susceptible individuals. Rarely, polymyalgia rheumatica is associated with a cancer. In this setting, the cancer may be initiating an inflammatory immune response to cause the polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms.
What are symptoms and signs of polymyalgia rheumatica?
The onset of the illness can be sudden. A patient may have a healthy history until awakening one morning with stiffness and pain of muscles and joints throughout the body. These pains can lead to a sensation of weakness and loss of function. Sometimes there is also muscle tenderness. These symptoms persist and are often accompanied by an intense sensation of fatigue. Some patients notice a gradual loss of appetite. weight, and energy. Depression can occur.
How do health-care professionals diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica?
The diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica is suggested by the history and physical examination. The doctor frequently notes muscle tenderness and that the motion of the shoulders is limited by pain. The joints are usually not swollen. However, swelling of the small joints of the hands, wrists, and/or knees can occur. Blood testing for inflammation is generally abnormal, as indicated by a significant elevation in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate or ESR) and/or C-reactive protein. There are no specific tests, however, for polymyalgia rheumatica and X-rays are normal. The diagnosis is based on the characteristic history of persisting muscle and joint pain and stiffness associated with elevated blood tests for inflammation, such as the ESR. It is also not unusual for patients to have slight elevations of liver blood tests.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/7/2016
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