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Polymyalgia rheumatica/temporal arteritis: Recent advances

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Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)/temporal arteritis (TA) frequently causes significant morbidity in patients older than 50 years of age. This review highlights recent trends in clinical findings, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and laboratory and radiologic assessment of the disease. Although steroids are the mainstay of therapy because of their effectiveness and ease of administration, they have numerous side effects, particularly in an aging population. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that steroids only suppress clinical symptoms, while a smoldering level of damaging vascular inflammation persists. As a result, alternative agents are actively being investigated. We compare their successes and shortcomings and offer insight into their potential role in the treatment of this disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Box 8045, 63119, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Richard D. Brasington Jr. MD

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  1. Maria-Louise Barilla-LaBarca MD
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  2. Deborah J. Lenschow MD, PhD
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  3. Richard D. Brasington Jr. MD
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Barilla-LaBarca, ML., Lenschow, D.J. & Brasington, R.D. Polymyalgia rheumatica/temporal arteritis: Recent advances. Curr Rheumatol Rep 4, 39–46 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-002-0022-0

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