Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a rheumatic disorder characterized by pain and stiffness around the neck, shoulder, and hip area that significantly impacts quality of life. This disorder is more common in white adults over 50 years of age. It is an inflammatory condition associated with an elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), being the typical findings. Patients with PMR can develop or have concomitant giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as Horton disease. Some authors consider GCA an extreme entity of the same spectrum of disorders as PMR.
Understanding the intricacies of PMR is essential for clinicians, as it requires a nuanced approach to management, including careful consideration of the potential long-term complications and the crucial interplay with GCA. This review aims to highlight the key aspects of PMR, including the etiology, clinical features, and optimal management strategies.
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