A history of polymyalgia rheumatica: a narrative review

Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulders, hips and neck and presents most commonly in the eighth decade. It can coexist with giant cell arteritis and the two diseases may share some pathophysiological mechanisms. This narrative review considers present-day ideas about PMR in a historical context, from the first names and descriptions of this disease entity, via successive generations of classification criteria sets, and finally to implications for clinical diagnosis. The characteristic distribution of musculoskeletal inflammation in PMR and its relationship to vasculitic and synovitic diseases have framed the way that PMR is described, classified, diagnosed and treated. A response to glucocorticoids is not specific to PMR and so it is important for rheumatologists to support general practitioners in making a definite diagnosis. Multi-stakeholder collaboration will improve current pathways for fast, accurate diagnosis and safe and effective treatment.

Keywords: attitude of health personnel; classification criteria; giant cell arteritis; history of medicine; polymyalgia rheumatica.