Defining Characteristics
Dx critieria:
Persistent proximal pain (>1m) involving (neck, shoulders, pelvic girdle- 2), >1h morning stiffness, abrupt onset of illness (50, Rapid response to low dose prednisone, elevated ESR, absence of other disorders (flu, hypothyroidism)
Disease Development
Polygenic (environment & genetics)
Activation of innate immune system leads to elevated levels of TNF
Potential Causes
Genetic component (HLA-DR)
Genetic polymorphisms in adhesion molecules & TNF
Epidemiology
F>M
Extremely unlikely in pts 50 (less in Italians)
Risk factors
Can be associated w/ Giant cell arteritis
Lab/Imaging
Elevated ESR/CRP Thrombocytosis (hi platelets) Nl CPK
Anemia of chronic dz
Negative ANA, RF
Clinical dx
Conventional Treatment
Corticosteroids (Should be RAPID
response if right dx)