How is Polymyalgia Rheumatica distinguished from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It is often difficult to distinguish PMR from new RA in older patients (late-onset RA). Features that support the diagnosis of PMR are:
- • Absence of RF and anti-CCP antibodies.
- • Lack of synovitis (metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and MTP joints) of hands and feet.
- • Absence of erosions on radiographs.
- • Note that the patient’s response to glucocorticoids (GCs) is not a reliable distinguishing feature.
