Polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis

Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis are separate but overlapping rheumatic diseases commonly seen among elderly persons. Polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized by upper body and trunk myalgias/arthralgias and an elevation in erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In about half of patients, temporal arteritis begins after polymyalgia rheumatica. Temporal arteritis is a systemic granulomatous disease that predominantly affects branches of the carotid artery. Claudication of the muscles of mastication and a painful burning tongue may develop during temporal arteritis or be the initial presenting symptoms. Recognition that these orofacial manifestations may be part of the disease process is mandatory because one third of patients with untreated temporal arteritis may go blind.