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[Rheumatic polymyalgia and temporal arteritis. Case contribution and bibliographic review]
Minerva Medica
|March 15, 1987
Summary
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA) are common in the elderly, often linked by immunological factors. This review covers their clinical features, diagnosis, and management, drawing on personal experience and literature.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Geriatrics
Context:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory condition in older adults.
- PMR presents with characteristic muscle pain and stiffness, elevated inflammatory markers, and responds to corticosteroids.
- PMR can be associated with temporal arteritis (TA), a vasculitis affecting arteries in patients over 50.
Purpose:
- To review the clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis of PMR and TA.
- To discuss the potential immunological pathogenesis of PMR and TA.
- To present personal experience with 56 cases of PMR and TA, alongside a literature survey.
Summary:
- PMR is characterized by aching and stiffness in shoulder and girdle muscles, elevated ESR, and corticosteroid responsiveness.
- TA is a systemic granulomatous vasculitis affecting cranial arteries in individuals over 50.
- Both conditions are increasingly thought to have an immunological basis.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of PMR and TA for clinicians.
- Highlights the importance of considering TA in patients with PMR.
- Contributes to understanding the immunological aspects of these elderly-onset rheumatic diseases.