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Pulmonary fibrosis associated with polymyalgia rheumatica
T Shimada1, K Matsumura, K Higashi
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kumamoto National Hospital, Ninomaru.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|December 10, 1997
Summary
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and pulmonary fibrosis can occur together. Treating PMR with corticosteroids improved both muscle symptoms and lung function in a patient with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Interstitial Lung Diseases
Background:
- Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is a chronic lung condition.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman with a 5-year history of IIP presented with concurrent PMR symptoms.
- Radiographic and histological findings suggested usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP).
Findings:
- Corticosteroid therapy alleviated PMR symptoms.
- The patient showed improved functional and radiographical signs of pulmonary fibrosis after treatment.
- Pulmonary fibrosis associated with PMR was diagnosed, suggesting PMR as a contributing factor to ILDs.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential link between PMR and interstitial lung diseases.
- Corticosteroids may be beneficial for managing concurrent PMR and pulmonary fibrosis.
- Further research into the relationship between PMR and ILDs is warranted.