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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
06:35

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis

Published on: February 8, 2019

[Myalgia in polymyalgia rheumatica, temporal arteritis and other vasculitides]

W A Schmidt1

  • 1Rheumaklinik Berlin-Buch, Immanuel Krankenhaus GmbH, Lindenberger Weg 19, 13125 Berlin. w.schmidt@immanuel.de

Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie
|July 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) causes muscle pain, often seen with giant cell arteritis. Diagnosis involves elevated inflammatory markers and imaging, with treatment starting on prednisolone.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Vasculitis

Context:

  • Myalgias are a primary symptom in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
  • Approximately 45% of giant cell arteritis patients exhibit PMR symptoms.
  • Other vasculitides can also manifest with arthralgia and myalgia.

Purpose:

  • To summarize the key features, diagnostic findings, and treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica.
  • To highlight the association between PMR and giant cell arteritis.
  • To differentiate PMR from other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Summary:

  • Characteristic symptoms include shoulder, pelvic, neck, and thoracic spine pain, malaise, morning stiffness, and weight loss.
  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are common.
  • Imaging reveals synovitis, tenosynovitis, and bursitis in the shoulder and hip.
  • Initial treatment involves a prednisolone dosage of 15-25 mg/day, with a gradual dose reduction schedule.

Impact:

  • Provides a concise overview for clinicians managing patients with suspected PMR.
  • Emphasizes the importance of distinguishing PMR from other inflammatory conditions.
  • Outlines a standard therapeutic approach for polymyalgia rheumatica management.

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