Polymyalgia rheumatica other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

A muscle biopsy might be performed to differentiate polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) from other diseases. In addition, temporal artery biopsy is required when a subject with PMR have symptoms suggestive of giant cell arteritis.

• It might be performed to differentiate polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) from other myopathies.

• It may be helpful when there are signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis.

• Patients with PMR should be monitored regularly after treatment with glucocorticoids as PMR may progress to giant cell arteritis.