Autoimmune Disorders: PMR Flashcards
What is PMR? (general)
A systemic, rheumatic inflammatory disorder with an unknown cause
Age groups that are affected by PMR?
- almost exclusive to people > 55
- 10x more prevalent in people over 80
(Men/Women) get PMR more often
women
Which race gets PMR most often?
white people
Primary complaint with PMR
severe MUSCLE aching and stiffness
as compared to joints
PMR is closely linked to this comorbidity
GCA = giant cell (temporal) arteritis
Which arteries are affected with GCA?
medium sized arteries (carotid)
Which branches of the carotid arteries are most often affected by GCA?
- cranial branch
- extra-cranial branch
Why is GCA associated with headaches?
associated with optic nerve
What are the most common symptoms with GCA?
severe, unilateral or bilateral HA
What are the clinical s/s of PMR?
- muscle pain
- stiffness after rest
- weakness, fatigue, malaise
- low grade fever
- sweats
- HA
- weight loss
- depression
- vision changes
What often leads to misdiagnosis of PMR?
orocranial symptoms
What is a medical dx of PMR made based on?
- age
- clinical presentation
- very high ESR
ESR =
Erythrocyte
Sedimentation
Rate
What does the ESR tell you?
- how quickly RBC settle in a test tube in 1 hr
- nonspecific test for inflammation
