polymyalgia rhuematica

Question 1

What is ‘polymyalgia rheumatica’

Answer 1

common inflammatory rheumatic disease which affcts elderly folk

Question 2

How does polymyalgia rheumatica classically present?

Answer 2

1. new onset pain in shoulder, hip or neck
2. systemic feature - fatigue/fever/wt loss
3. morning stiffness

Question 3

Which joints are most affected

Answer 3

1. shoulders
2. hip
3. neck

Question 4

features of polymyalgia rheumatica in the joint

Answer 4

1. symmetrical
2. acute pain lasts > 45 minutes
3. worse in the morning
4. without weakness !

Question 5

what are assoc systemic symptoms?

Answer 5

1. weight loss
2. fever
3. fatigue
4. depressed mood

Question 6

which condition is polymyalgia rheumatica associated with?

Answer 6

Giant cell artertitis - 20% with polymyalgia rheumatica progress

Question 7

What are the results of lab tests?

Answer 7

1. very high ESR and high CRP
2. normal creatinine kinase and no auto antibodies
3. normocytic anaemia

Question 8

What does the ultrasound show

Answer 8

bursitis

Question 9

Mx of polymyalgia rheumatica

Answer 9

low dose glucocorticoid - 15 mg of predisolone and taper