Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder that results in muscle pain and stiffness in the body. Often, many people who have PMR also develop another syndrome called Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). GCA results in inflammation and swelling of arteries, most commonly in the head. If not treated quickly, GCA may cause permanent blindness.

The exact causes and relationship between PMR and GCA are unknown. Both are inflammatory conditions and therefore are due to some kind of immune system dysfunction. Genetic factors contribute to their development as well.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Age: 50 and older
• Sex: Female
• Ethnicity: PMR is most common in Caucasians, particularly those from northern Europe

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. There is no single test for PMR. However, to support the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, tests may include:
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) –a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. Cells that fall rapidly indicate inflammation in the body.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) –ablood test that measures whether a specific antibody (RF) is present in the blood. Patients with a positive RF test usually have an inflammatory condition other than PMR.
Muscle Biopsy – removal of a sample of muscle tissue for examination. (rare)
If you have PMR, your doctor may also consider the possibility of GCA. Evaluation for GCA includes:

• Physical exam, including vision test
• Biopsy of an affected blood vessel

Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Symptoms of PMR will disappear without treatment within several months to years. However, treatment leads to dramatic improvement within 24-48 hours. Treatment usually consists of:

• Corticosteroid medication
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

Giant Cell Arteritis GCA must be treated before blindness occurs, because blindness is irreversible. Treatment is usually a high dose of corticosteroid medication for 2-4 weeks.

There are no guidelines for preventing either PMR or GCA.