Concomitant Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis Associated with Cystic Echinococcosis: A Rare Geriatric...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Parasitology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Parasitic infections are increasingly recognized as potential triggers for autoimmune diseases.
• This report details a unique clinical case involving the simultaneous occurrence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) in a patient with cystic echinococcosis (CE).

Observation:

• A 74-year-old male presented with a two-month history of shoulder and hip pain, restricted movement, and constitutional symptoms.
• Rheumatological evaluations led to diagnoses of PMR and GCA.
• An incidentally discovered liver cyst, previously unexamined, was identified as a hydatid cyst (CE).

Findings:

• The patient received medical treatment for all three conditions: PMR, GCA, and CE.
• Significant improvement in the patient's symptoms was observed following treatment.

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented instance of concurrent PMR and GCA associated with CE.
• The findings underscore the importance of evaluating for autoimmune diseases in patients diagnosed with CE.
• Conversely, CE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, particularly when cysts are present.