Polymyalgia rheumatica and cancer: surveillance duration and other points to ponder.

Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is one of the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting the elderly [1]. Up to 20% of patients with PMR may develop giant cell arteritis (GCA), a primary granulomatous vasculitis affecting the aorta and its branches. The association of PMR with GCA, also known as “Horton’s disease”, has therapeutic and prognostic consequences [2]. The possibility that isolated PMR can be a paraneoplastic syndrome has long been debated with conflicting viewpoints. Some points should be pondered.