Flashcards in Autoimmune Disorders: PMR Deck (18):
1
What is PMR? (general)
A systemic, rheumatic inflammatory disorder with an unknown cause
2
Age groups that are affected by PMR?
- almost exclusive to people > 55
- 10x more prevalent in people over 80
3
(Men/Women) get PMR more often
women
4
Which race gets PMR most often?
white people
5
Primary complaint with PMR
severe MUSCLE aching and stiffness
(as compared to joints)
6
PMR is closely linked to this comorbidity
GCA = giant cell (temporal) arteritis
7
Which arteries are affected with GCA?
medium sized arteries (carotid)
8
Which branches of the carotid arteries are most often affected by GCA?
- cranial branch
- extra-cranial branch
9
Why is GCA associated with headaches?
associated with optic nerve
10
What are the most common symptoms with GCA?
severe, unilateral or bilateral HA
11
What are the clinical s/s of PMR?
- muscle pain
- stiffness after rest
- weakness, fatigue, malaise
- low grade fever
- sweats
- HA
- weight loss
- depression
- vision changes
12
What often leads to misdiagnosis of PMR?
orocranial symptoms
13
What is a medical dx of PMR made based on?
- age
- clinical presentation
- very high ESR
14
ESR =
Erythrocyte
Sedimentation
Rate
15
What does the ESR tell you?
- how quickly RBC settle in a test tube in 1 hr
- nonspecific test for inflammation
16
What are the treatment options for PMR?
- oral corticosteroids
- otherwise, symptoms are self-limiting
17
When would corticosteroids be used for PMR? What is their effect?
- for longer lasting disease course
- relieves symptoms quickly but does not cure
18