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Primary systemic amyloidosis presenting as giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
C Salvarani1, S E Gabriel, M A Gertz
1Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Primary systemic amyloidosis can mimic vasculitis like giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Corticosteroids effectively treated vascular and musculoskeletal symptoms in four patients with amyloidosis presenting as GCA or PMR.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary systemic amyloidosis is a plasma cell disorder characterized by amyloid deposition in various organs.
- It can manifest with symptoms overlapping those of systemic vasculitides, such as giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
Observation:
- This report details four patients with primary systemic amyloidosis who initially presented with clinical features suggestive of GCA or PMR.
- Temporal artery biopsy findings and the clinical course of vascular and musculoskeletal symptoms were analyzed.
Findings:
- Patients with primary systemic amyloidosis can exhibit symptoms mimicking GCA and PMR.
- Corticosteroid therapy demonstrated efficacy in managing the vascular and musculoskeletal manifestations in these patients.
Implications:
- Recognizing primary systemic amyloidosis in patients presenting with GCA/PMR features is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- This highlights the importance of considering systemic inflammatory conditions beyond typical vasculitis in the differential diagnosis.