Distal musculoskeletal manifestations in polymyalgia rheumatica

C. Salvarani¹, F. Cantini², I. Olivieri³

¹Service of Rheumatology, Arcispedale S.Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia; ²Rheumatologic Unit, II Division of Medicine, Hospital of Prato, Prato; ³Service of Rheumatology, S.Carlo Hospital, Potenza; Italy.

ABSTRACT
In polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) the marked and distinctive symptoms of proximal aching and stiffness have tended to draw attention away from the distal musculoskeletal manifestations which also occur in this syndrome. Peripheral manifestations are present in about half of all cases of PMR and include joint synovitis, diffuse swelling of the distal extremities with or without pitting edema, tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Awareness of these findings will help to facilitate the proper diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy for this disease.

Key words
Polymyalgia rheumatica, RS3PE syndrome, elderly onset seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.

Please address correspondence and reprint requsts to: Dr. Carlo Salvarani, Servizio di Reumatologia, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Viale Umberto I, No 50, 42100, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
E-mail: salvarani.carlo@asmn.re.it

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2000; 18 (Suppl. 20): S51-S52.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2000.