Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease.

It manifests as ache and stiffness of the shoulder girdle, hip girdle, and neck.

It typically presents in those over 50 years and is associated with the not-to-be-missed diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA).

This course aims to equip you with simple and summarised guidance around the following key areas relating to PMR:

• Initial diagnosis and management
• Differential diagnosis
• Relationship to GCA
• Managing relapse
• Risks and monitoring of long-term oral corticosteroid use
• When to consider specialist referral or advice.

Acknowledgements

Content created by Dr Hazel Fuiava (MBChB, DipPaeds), with expert review by Professor Bruce Arroll.