Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant-Cell Arteritis

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder manifested principally by stiffness of the neck, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle; giant-cell (or temporal) arteritis affects the cranial branches of arteries arising from the aortic arch. The two conditions are believed to be linked and may occur together. Giant-cell arteritis is a serious disorder that can cause blindness as a result of ischemia of the optic nerve or retina. Both disorders respond to corticosteroid therapy. This comprehensive article reviews the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and treatment of these disorders.