Primary Care Vasculitis: Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.
review · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 29759126.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.pop.2018.02.007.
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Abstract
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are related inflammatory diseases of adults aged 50 years or older. The diagnosis of PMR is based on morning stiffness, proximal shoulder and pelvic girdle pain, and functional impairment. GCA is characterized by headache, jaw claudication, and visual disturbances. Constitutional symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers are common to both conditions. Temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of GCA. Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of therapy, with tapering regimens individualized to the patient. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avert vision loss in GCA. Tocilizumab increases remission rates in GCA.
Medical subject headings
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Glucocorticoids
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Primary Health Care