[Polymyalgia rheumatica]

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease of older adults, characterized by bilateral pain in the shoulder and pelvic girdles, morning stiffness, and systemic signs of inflammation. Despite its high prevalence, PMR remains a clinical challenge due to diagnostic uncertainty and a broad spectrum of differential diagnoses. Furthermore, disease management is complicated by the overlap with giant cell arteritis and the frequently required long-term glucocorticoid therapy due to recurrent relapses, which in turn is associated with an increased risk of treatment-related adverse effects. Early confirmation of the diagnosis, structured patient stratification, and the integration of individual risk factors into therapeutic decision-making are essential for the optimal management of patients with PMR.