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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease
Published on: December 18, 2016
[Distal musculo-skeletal manifestations in rheumatic polymyalgia]
J Noval Menéndez1, M T Campoamor Serrano, F J Nuño Mateo
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Cabueñes, Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
Abstract:
The frequency and characteristics of distal musculo-skeletal manifestations (DMM) are reported in a series of 136 patients with the diagnosis of rheumatic polymyalgia (RPM). Thirty-eight patients (28%) had DMM concomitantly with the diagnosis of RPM or during its course. Peripheral arthritis were most common, and 40 episodes were identified in 31 patients. Eight patients had the typical manifestations of the pitting edema. Tenosynovitis was observed in four patients and the carpal tunnel syndrome in three. Five patients had 2 DMM manifestations associated. In 80% of cases the detection of DMM occurred at diagnosis, and were associated with the characteristic proximal symptoms in RPM. The response to corticosteroid therapy was favorable in all cases. The eight patients with pitting edema had an ESR lower at diagnosis and a shorter total length of treatment of RPM.
Insights
Distal musculoskeletal manifestations (DMM) affect 28% of patients with rheumatic polymyalgia (RPM), often appearing at diagnosis. Corticosteroid therapy proved effective for all DMM cases in this study.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
Context:
- Rheumatic polymyalgia (RPM) is a common condition affecting older adults.
- Distal musculoskeletal manifestations (DMM) in RPM are not fully characterized.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of DMM in patients diagnosed with RPM.
- To analyze the association of DMM with RPM diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 136 patients with RPM, finding that 38 (28%) experienced DMM.
- Peripheral arthritis was most common, followed by pitting edema, tenosynovitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- DMM were frequently detected at diagnosis and responded well to corticosteroid therapy.
Impact:
- Highlights the prevalence of DMM in RPM, suggesting they are an important diagnostic and clinical feature.
- Findings indicate DMM do not necessarily complicate RPM management, as corticosteroid therapy is effective.
- Pitting edema in RPM patients may correlate with lower ESR and shorter treatment duration.
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