Primary Care Vasculitis: Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
1Department of Rheumatology, Orthopedic and Rheumatologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue A50, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 9500 Euclid Avenue A50, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Abstract:
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are related inflammatory diseases of adults aged 50 years or older. The diagnosis of PMR is based on morning stiffness, proximal shoulder and pelvic girdle pain, and functional impairment. GCA is characterized by headache, jaw claudication, and visual disturbances. Constitutional symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers are common to both conditions. Temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of GCA. Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of therapy, with tapering regimens individualized to the patient. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avert vision loss in GCA. Tocilizumab increases remission rates in GCA.
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