Description
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a benign chronic/relapsing inflammatory condition of unknown aetiology, that affects middle aged people and the elderly. It has a higher prevalence in Caucasian women than in men. There is ongoing discussion regarding the relationship between polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) giant-cell arteritis (GCA). They are linked conditions,
and considered to be different phases of the same disease.
Both have acute or insidious presentation and can be referred as an emergency to the newly established medical assessment unit and the acute Physician is likely to see more of these patient because of the rising incidence and the non-specific clinical manifestation of this condition. Both can mimic more serious diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis and occult malignancy. The response to corticosteroids is dramatic within 24 hours and considered to be a diagnostic test in itself.
