[Polymyalgia rheumatica: new developments and challenges]

Abstract

- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory rheumatic disorder in which inflammation markers, both erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and CRP values, are often elevated. However, a non-abnormal ESR or CRP value does not preclude the diagnosis.- PMR is an arbitrary diagnosis and presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.- Imaging diagnostics, such as echography, MRI or FDG-PET/CT, may potentially be applied more frequently as a second-line investigation when there is doubt concerning the diagnosis. Currently these additional imaging techniques are not applied in first line diagnostics.- Glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica. Often patients react swiftly to this, but in 29-45% of cases an effect is only observed 3-4 weeks later. The treatment course typically lasts 1-3 years.- More research has been conducted into potential glucocorticoid-sparing treatments. Most of the scientific evidence concerns the effectiveness of methotrexate; there is some evidence regarding the effectiveness of azathioprine and leflunomide. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor inhibitor, has shown promise as a treatment, but further evidence is required.