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
labimaging
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)
