Diagnosis and Treatment of Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that occurs in older adults. Its cause is unclear but might be autoimmune, autoinflammatory, environmental, or genetic. Patients with PMR have proximal joint pain and stiffness that limit mobility and decrease quality of life. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and blood test results. However, blood tests often are inconclusive, and PMR symptoms overlap those of several other conditions. Medical imaging helps confirm and clarify diagnosis, assess response to treatment, and evaluate for relapses. Many patients respond to long-term, low-dosage oral glucocorticoids. This article describes the epidemiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment options for PMR.