(PMR)
Definition
Definition
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder. It results in muscle pain and stiffness in the body. The effects are most common in the shoulders, arms, hips, and thighs. About 15% of people with PMR will also develop giant cell arteritis (GCA). GCA is an inflammation of the lining of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
Giant Cell ArteritisCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
The exact cause is not known. Inflammatory conditions may be due to some problem with the immune system. Some evidence suggests that certain viruses could be responsible for PMR. Genetic factors may also play a role.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
PMR is most common in Caucasian women, aged 65 years and older.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Muscle pain and/or stiffness in the hip, shoulder, or neck areas
- Stiffness in the morning
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Muscle biopsy
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment
Symptoms of PMR will disappear without treatment within several months to years. Treatment leads to dramatic improvement, which may occur within 24-48 hours.
Treatment may include:
Prevention
Prevention
There are current guidelines to prevent PMR.
RESOURCES:
Arthritis Foundation http://www.arthritis.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Eberhardt RT, Dhadly M. Giant cell arteritis: diagnosis, management, and cardiovascular implications. Cardiol Rev. 2007;15(2):55-61.
Matteson EL, Gold KN, et al. Long-term survival of patients with giant cell arteritis in the American College of Rheumatology Giant Cell Arteritis classification criteria cohort. Am J Med. 1996;100:193.
Polymyalgia rheumatica. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at:
http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/polymyalgiarheumatica.asp
Updated February 2013. Accessed June 29, 2015.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated July 8, 2014. Accessed June 29, 2015.
Questions and answers about polymyalgia Rheumatical and giant cell arteritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Polymyalgia/default.asp
Updated August 2012. Accessed June 29, 2015.
Salvarani C, Cantini F, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant-cell arteritis. N Engl J Med. 2002;347:261.
Soubrier M, Dubost JJ, et al. Polymyalgia rheumatica: diagnosis and treatment. Joint Bone Spine. 2006;73(6):599-605. Review.
Last Updated: 5/11/2013