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Previous Volume 347:261-271 July 25, 2002 Number 4 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant-cell arteritis are closely related conditions that affect persons of middle age and older and frequently occur together. Many authorities consider them to be different phases of the same disease. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition of unknown cause characterized by aching and morning stiffness in the cervical region and shoulder and pelvic girdles. It usually responds rapidly to low doses of corticosteroids and has a favorable prognosis.

The first description of polymyalgia rheumatica was provided by Bruce in 1888, who called this condition "senile rheumatic gout," thus emphasizing its occurrence in the elderly.¹ In 1957, Barber . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Epidemiology and Diagnostic Criteria

Pathogenesis

Pathological Findings

Clinical Manifestations

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Giant-Cell Arteritis

Laboratory Findings

Imaging

Treatment and Course

Differential Diagnosis

Future Perspectives

Source Information

From the Rheumatology Service, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy (C.S., L.B.); the Unit of Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, Ospedale di Prato, Prato, Italy (F.C.); and the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. (G.G.H.).

Address reprint requests to Dr. Salvarani at the Servizio di Reumatologia, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Viale Umberto I N50, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy, or at salvarani.carlo@asmn.re.it.

Related Letters:

Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant-Cell Arteritis
Ostor A. J.K., Hazleman B. L., Horton J. C., Praderio L., Di Comite G., Saporiti N., Blockmans D. E., Salvarani C., Cantini F., Hunder G. G.
Extract | Full Text | PDF  
N Engl J Med 2002; 347:2083-2085, Dec 19, 2002. Correspondence

Giant-Cell Arteritis
Védrine L., Algayres J.-P., Coutant G., Salvarani C., Boiardi L., Hunder G. G.
Extract | Full Text | PDF  
N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1497-1498, Apr 10, 2003. Correspondence

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