Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in emergency department patients

Ann Emerg Med. 1993 Oct;22(10):1633-5. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)81271-5.

Abstract

Elderly patients with undiagnosed polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are not uncommon, and they may present to the emergency department with nonspecific physical complaints. We describe the cases of two patients who had the "typical" constellation of symptoms. It is important that emergency physicians consider the diagnosis and provide appropriate testing, therapy, and follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Emergencies
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / complications
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / diagnosis*
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / complications
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / diagnosis*
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / drug therapy
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Prednisone