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]

Overview

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.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Muscle biopsy

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

Temporal artery biopsy

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.

References