Facts of Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is an inflammatory syndrome of older individuals characterized by pain and stiffness in the proximal muscles of the shoulder, neck, and/or pelvic girdle in the absence of objective weakness. Constitutional symptoms are common (33%–50% of patients). The core manifestations include:
- • Patient age ≥50 years.
- • Symmetric shoulder girdle aching for ≥2 weeks.
- • ESR >40 mm/hour and/or elevated C-reactive protein (CRP).
- • Morning stiffness >45 minutes.
- • Bilateral hip pain or limited range of motion.
- • Absence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies to citrullinated antigens (ACPAs).
- • Rapid response to corticosteroids (prednisone 20 mg daily) within a week.
- • Exclusion of other diagnoses except GCA
