Polymyalgia rheumatica can recur years after discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy

CER3587
2009 Vol.27, N°1 ,Suppl.52
PI 0025, PF 0027
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PMID: 19646342 [PubMed]

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
To describe disease recurrence in polymyalgia rheumatica.
METHODS:
I present 12 patients with recurring PMR from a single clinical practice with long-term clinical follow-up (mean 14.3 years).
RESULTS:
Despite a disease-free interval off corticosteroids of 2 years or longer, these patients experienced 1 overt recurrence (or more) of PMR.
CONCLUSIONS:
The course of PMR is not uniformly monophasic, and patient and physician should remain alert to the possibility of recurring disease.