musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Introduction
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a syndrome closely associated with Giant Cell Arteritis (temporal arteritis). It affects adults (See also Overview of Vasculitis .) Polymyalgia rheumatica affects adults>55; the female:male ratio is 2:1. Because polymyalgia rheumatica is closely associated with Giant Cell Arteritis , some authorities consider the two disorders to be different aspects of the same process. Polymyalgia rheumatica appears to be more common. A few patients with polymyalgia rheumatica develop giant cell arteritis, but 40 to 60% of patients with giant cell arteritis have polymyalgia rheumatica. Polymyalgia rheumatica may precede, follow, or occur simultaneously with giant cell arteritis. Etiology and pathogenesis of polymyalgia rheumatica are unknown. Ultrasound and MRI findings suggest that they probably result from low-grade axial synovitis and bursitis. 