Polymyalgia rheumatica: Pathogenesis and management

摘要

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder, with a lifetime risk of 2.4% for women and 1.7% for men. Its cause is unknown, but ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies reveal extra-capsular inflammation, such as bursitis, in addition to syno-vitis. PMR classically responds very well to systemic glucocorticoids.PMR, if undiagnosed, has devastating effects: patients typically cannot get out of, or even turn over in, bed. The catastrophic effects on physical functioning and quality of life are reversed by treatment. Rapid diagnosis is therefore essential.