Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disease, leading to generalized muscle pain and stiffness. This disease is associated with giant cell arteritis (GCA), a condition involving inflammation of large to medium-sized arteries presenting with a severe headache. It is thought that PMR and GCA are at different points of the same disease spectrum.
PMR occurs almost exclusively in individuals over the age of 50 years. It is quite common, with a prevalence of 700 per 100,000 in one study in Olmstead County, Minnesota where the population is predominantly of Scandinavian descent. About 10 to 20% of individuals with PMR develop GCA as well.
The diagnosis is based on the history of pain and stiffness in the muscles. Additional lab tests help to confirm the diagnosis.
A subset of patients with PMR may develop GCA. GCA presents with a severe headache in the temples from inflammation of the large vessels in the head such as the carotid arteries and temporal arteries. This may progress to cause vision disturbance and even blindness. It is important to rule out GCA in patients with PMR at the time of diagnosis.
This can be managed effectively with steroids. Often, the disease returns upon stopping steroid therapy and longer durations of treatment may be required. It is important to monitor patients with PMR for the development of GCA with provision for quick management to prevent complications.
This post was last modified on January 21, 2023 6:08 pm
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