Polymyalgia manifestations in different conditions mimicking polymyalgia rheumatica
González-Gay, M.A.; García-Porrúa, C.; Salvarani, C.; Olivieri, I.; Hunder, G.G.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 18(6): 755-759
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 11138344 Document Number: 520841
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a generally benign syndrome involving the neck, shoulder, and hip girdles in the elderly. However, none of the clinical and laboratory findings are specific for this syndrome. Different diseases may present with features suggesting PMR. The consideration of other conditions which in some cases resemble PMR is very important, as their therapy and prognosis differ completely from that of PMR. Four patients presenting with typical PMR manifestations, who were finally diagnosed as having conditions very different from PMR, are described. The importance of the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with polymyalgia symptoms is underlined.