The utility of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in detecting extracranial large vessel vasculitis in rheumatic polymyalgia or giant cell arteritis. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Systematic review of current evidence to analyze the prevalence of extracranial large vessel vasculitis (LVV) using 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) or giant cell arteritis (GCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched and the results were screened by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and the Q test. Further subgroup analyses were performed by disease type, study quality, and 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake criteria. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's test. RESULTS: 268 publications were identified, of which 17 met the selection criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of extracranial LVV by 18F-FDG PET/CT was 54.5% [95% CI: 42.6%-66.1%]. In patients with GCA the prevalence was significantly higher than in patients with PMR (60.1% vs. 41.8%, P = 0.006). Likewise, studies with a lower risk of bias reported a higher prevalence of extracranial LVV (61.1% vs. 46.9%; P = 0.010). No publication bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The 18F-FDG PET/CT test may be useful in the detection of extracranial LVV, both in patients with PMR or GCA. Such involvement is more frequent in patients with GCA, and may vary depending on the quality of the studies.

Desenmascarando la polimialgia reumática, papel de la Medicina Nuclear / Decoding polymyalgia rheumatica, the role of Nuclear Medicine Imaging

La polimialgia reumática (PMR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria de las articulaciones que se presenta en pacientes mayores de 50 años con dolor y rigidez matutina prolongada en las cinturas del hombro y la cadera y en el cuello. La falta de hallazgos clínicos específicos, signos de laboratorio, biomarcadores y métodos de imagen establecidos dificulta el diagnóstico de los pacientes con esta enfermedad. La 18F-FDG PET/TC es una técnica de imagen funcional que constituye una herramienta consolidada en Oncología y que también ha demostrado su utilidad en el campo de las enfermedades inflamatorias. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar evidencia bibliográfica sobre el uso de métodos de imagen molecular como la PET/TC para el diagnóstico precoz, la evaluación de la actividad de la enfermedad y la respuesta terapéutica en la PMR. Al mismo tiempo, se consideran las ventajas, las desventajas y las contraindicaciones de otros métodos (AU)

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory joint disease that presents in patients older than 50 years with prolonged morning pain and stiffness in the shoulder and hip joints and neck. The lack of specific clinical findings, laboratory signs, biomarkers and established imaging methods makes it difficult to diagnose patients with this disease. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a functional imaging technique that is an established tool in oncology and has also proven useful in the field of inflammatory diseases. The aim of this paper is to present literature evidence on the use of molecular imaging methods such as PET/CT for early diagnosis, assessment of disease activity and therapeutic response in PMR. At the same time, the advantages, disadvantages and contraindications of other methods are considered (AU)

Resumen ejecutivo sobre la optimización del abordaje multidisciplinar e integrado de la polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes en la Comunidad de Madrid / Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region

La polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes pueden suponer una emergencia médica en la que el retraso en su correcto diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico pueden asociar complicaciones graves. Con el objetivo de mejorar la atención de los pacientes con estas patologías en el entorno de la Comunidad de Madrid, se diseñó un estudio para identificar las causas y las posibles soluciones para hacer frente los problemas relacionados con el diagnóstico de estas patologías. Tras un análisis preliminar, se identificaron 11 áreas de mejora relacionadas con cuatro aspectos diferenciados del proceso asistencial: coordinación y protocolos, equipamientos, formación y concienciación sobre las patologías y experiencia del paciente. De todas ellas, se priorizó resolver aquellas relacionadas con la generación de protocolos de abordaje integral de las patologías y que contemplen todas las especialidades y niveles asistenciales implicados. Otro aspecto crucial es el incremento del grado de sospecha clínica de estas patologías. (AU)

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies. (AU)

Resumen ejecutivo sobre la optimización del abordaje multidisciplinar e integrado de la polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes en la Comunidad de Madrid / Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region

La polimialgia reumática y la arteritis de células gigantes pueden suponer una emergencia médica en la que el retraso en su correcto diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico pueden asociar complicaciones graves. Con el objetivo de mejorar la atención de los pacientes con estas patologías en el entorno de la Comunidad de Madrid, se diseñó un estudio para identificar las causas y las posibles soluciones para hacer frente los problemas relacionados con el diagnóstico de estas patologías. Tras un análisis preliminar, se identificaron 11 áreas de mejora relacionadas con cuatro aspectos diferenciados del proceso asistencial: coordinación y protocolos, equipamientos, formación y concienciación sobre las patologías y experiencia del paciente. De todas ellas, se priorizó resolver aquellas relacionadas con la generación de protocolos de abordaje integral de las patologías y que contemplen todas las especialidades y niveles asistenciales implicados. Otro aspecto crucial es el incremento del grado de sospecha clínica de estas patologías. (AU)

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies. (AU)

Decoding polymyalgia rheumatica, the role of Nuclear Medicine Imaging.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory joint disease that presents in patients older than 50 years with prolonged morning pain and stiffness in the shoulder and hip joints and neck. The lack of specific clinical findings, laboratory signs, biomarkers and established imaging methods makes it difficult to diagnose patients with this disease. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a functional imaging technique that is an established tool in oncology and has also proven useful in the field of inflammatory diseases. The aim of this paper is to present literature evidence on the use of molecular imaging methods such as PET/CT for early diagnosis, assessment of disease activity and therapeutic response in PMR. At the same time, the advantages, disadvantages and contraindications of other methods are considered.

Executive summary on the optimization of the multidisciplinary and integrated approach to polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis in Madrid region.

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can be a medical emergency in which a delay in correct diagnosis and therapeutic management can cause serious complications. With the aim of improving the care of patients with these pathologies in the Community of Madrid, a study was designed to identify the causes and possible solutions to address the problems related to the diagnosis of these pathologies. After the analysis, 11 areas of improvement related to four different aspects of the care process were identified: coordination and protocols, equipment, training and awareness of pathologies, and patient experience. Of all the areas identified, it was considered a priority to resolve those related to the generation of protocols for the comprehensive management of the pathologies, which include all the specialties and levels of care involved. Another crucial aspect is the increase in the degree of clinical suspicion of these pathologies.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica / Achados de ressonância magnética em pacientes com polimialgia reumática

Abstract Objective: To describe the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with the clinical diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Materials and Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients with untreated PMR, meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria, underwent MRI examinations of the shoulder(s), hip(s), or both, depending on clinical complaints. Six patients also underwent MRI of the spine. Results: We evaluated 24 shoulders, among which we identified subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis in 21 (87.5%), glenohumeral joint effusion in 17 (70.8%), and fluid distention of the long head of the biceps tendon sheath in 15 (62.5%). Peritendinitis and capsular edema were observed in 21 (87.5%) and 17 (70.8%) shoulders, respectively. We also evaluated 17 hips, identifying hip joint effusion in 12 (70.6%), trochanteric bursitis in 11 (64.7%), peritendinitis in 17 (100%), and capsular edema in 14 (82.4%). All six of the patients who underwent MRI of the spine were found to have interspinous bursitis. Conclusion: Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis, glenohumeral joint effusion, and hip joint effusion are common findings in patients with PMR. In addition, such patients appear to be highly susceptible to peritendinitis and capsular edema. There is a need for case-control studies to validate our data and to determine the real impact that these findings have on the diagnosis of PMR by MRI.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever os achados de ressonância magnética (RM) mais prevalentes em pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de polimialgia reumática (PMR). Materiais e Métodos: Dezesseis pacientes com PMR não tratada, classificados pelos critérios do American College of Rheumatology, foram submetidos a RM do ombro e/ou quadril, segundo suas queixas clínicas. Seis pacientes também foram submetidos a RM da coluna. Resultados: Foram avaliados 24 ombros, identificando-se bursite subacromial-subdeltoide em 21 (87,5%), sinovite glenoumeral em 17 (70,8%) e distensão líquida da bainha do tendão da cabeça longa do bíceps em 15 (62,5%). Peritendinite e edema capsular foram observados em 21 (87,5%) e 17 (70,8%) ombros, respectivamente. Dezessete quadris foram analisados, identificando-se sinovite em 12 (70,6%), bursite trocantérica em 11 (64,7%), peritendinite em 17 (100%) e edema capsular em 14 (82,4%). Os seis pacientes que realizaram RM da coluna apresentavam bursite interespinhosa. Conclusão: Bursite subacromial-subdeltoide, sinovite glenoumeral e do quadril são achados de imagem prevalentes em pacientes com PMR. Além disso, achados como peritendinite e edema capsular tiveram alta prevalência nesses pacientes. Estudos de caso- controle devem ser realizados para validar esses dados e estabelecer o real impacto desses achados no diagnóstico de PMR.

Point of care ultrasound for the diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica in chronic seronegative polyarthritis: A case report / Ultrasonografía point of care para el diagnóstico de polimialgia reumática en poliartritis crónica seronegativa: un reporte de caso

ABSTRACT Polymyalgia Rheumatica is one of the most frequent inflammatory musculoskeletal disor ders in adults over 50 years of age that can present with polyarthritis. The case is presented of a 65-year-old woman with chronic disabling severe polyarticular pain associated with polyarthritis. It was initially diagnosed as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, in which bilateral sub-deltoid and trochanteric bursitis was demonstrated by ultrasound, along with bicipital tenosynovitis, all features of polymyalgia rheumatica. A good clinical and ultrasound response to corticosteroid treatment is also described.

RESUMEN La polimialgia reumática es una de las patologías inflamatorias musculoesqueléticas más frecuentes en adultos mayores de 50 arios que pueden presentarse con poliartritis. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 65 años con cuadro crónico de dolor poliarticular severo incapacitante, asociado a poliartritis, diagnosticada inicialmente como artritis reumatoide seronegativa, en quien se demostró, mediante ultrasonido, bursitis subdeltoidea y trocantérica bilaterales, así como tenosinovitis bicipital, todas características de polimialgia reumática. Se describe también una buena respuesta clínica y ultrasonográfica al tratamiento con corticoides.

18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica: Screening for vasculitis. / 18 F-FDG PET/TC en pacientes con polimialgia reumática: despistando vasculitis.

OBJECTIVE: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PR) can be associated with large vessel vasculitis (LVV). We evaluate the diagnostic role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) and its impact on the treatment of LVV associated with PR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with PR. Data was collected from health records. Blood analysis included acute-phase reactants (APR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. An 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was performed in those patients whose symptoms persisted, in those with elevated APR, those who required higher doses of steroids or those who had atypical features of PR (low-grade fever, weight loss, among others). RESULTS: Twenty-three were eligible; 48% (n = 11) of the patients were diagnosed with LVV associated with PR. The site was heterogeneous, but mostly involved the aorta. In 80% of the patients with LVV, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug was added to their treatment. Elevated CRP values were associated with the likelihood of presenting LVV. CONCLUSIONS: LVV is not uncommon, clinical features and elevated CRP levels should raise suspicion of LVV associated with PR. 18F-FDG PET/CT is useful in identifying LVV associated with PR.

Noninfectious aortitis: Experience with tocilizumab in a regional hospital. / Aortitis no infecciosa: experiencia con tocilizumab en un hospital comarcal.

OBJECTIVES: Describe patients with noninfectious aortitis and their response to treatment in a regional hospital. METHODS: Review of patients with noninfectious aortitis, diagnostic technique used and immunosuppressive therapy received. RESULTS: We report 8 patients (7 women and one man) diagnosed with aortitis by positron emission tomography (PET). The mean age was 69years (interquartile range [IQR] 62-72.2). Three months of treatment with tocilizumab improved symptoms, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level (P<.001 and P<.012, respectively) in the 6 patients in whom it was used. CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab was an effective and safe treatment in those patients diagnosed with aortitis refractory to steroids and conventional immunosuppressive therapy.

Utilidad de la ecotomografía doppler en el diagnóstico de la arteritis de células gigantes / Utility of the doppler ultrasound in the diagnostic approach of giant cell arteritis

Resumen: La arteritis de células gigantes es una vasculitis sistémica frecuente, especialmente en mayores de 50 años. Ante la sospecha clínica el diagnóstico debe ser confirmado con histología o estudios de imágenes. La biopsia de arteria temporal se considera el gold standard, sin embargo, tiene sus limitaciones, una de ellas es la alta tasa de falsos negativos. El estudio por ecotomografía Doppler permite la visualización de las arterias temporales y en manos experimentadas puede constituir un procedimiento diagnóstico alternativo a la biopsia en el estudio inicial de esta entidad. Esta técnica es de fácil acceso, bajo costo, sin riesgos y no expone al paciente a radiación ionizante. En este trabajo revisamos la utilidad clínica de la ecotomografía Doppler en el estudio de la arteria temporal y sus hallazgos imagenológicos en la aproximación diagnóstica a la arteritis de células gigantes, siendo las características de compromiso el engrosamiento parietal arterial hipoecogénico, habitualmente concéntrico, no compresible.

Abstract: Giant cell arteritis is a frequent systemic vasculitis, especially in patients older than 50 years old. When clinically suspected, the diagnosis should be made on the basis of histology or imaging methods. Temporal artery biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis but it has some caveats, especially the existence of false negatives. Doppler ultrasound study is a low cost, accessible tool that allows visualization of temporal arteries and, in experienced hands, can replace the biopsy in the initial evaluation of the disease, without the risks of ionizing radiation. In this article we review the clinical utility of the temporal artery Doppler ultrasound and its findings in the diagnostic approach of giant cell arteritis, being characteristic a non-compressible, hypoechoic, most commonly concentric arterial wall thickening.

Polimialgia reumática: Presentación de caso / Polymialgia Rheumatica: a Case Report

La polimialgia reumática es una enfermedad que generalmente afecta a los individuos mayores de 50 años. Desde 1963 se ha modificado su denominación y clasificación; en la actualidad, para su diagnóstico se cuentan con criterios clínicos e imagenológicos. Entre los criterios imagenológicos se considera especialmente el ultrasonido; sin embargo, la resonancia magnética permite descartar diagnósticos diferenciales y considerar en forma oportuna el diagnóstico de la polimialgia reumática. Esto se destaca en el presente artículo que describe el caso de una paciente de 56 años con antecedentes de perioniquia secundaria a pedicura y, como complicación, una espondilodiscitis. Posteriormente aparece dolor articular simétrico, matutino, en caderas y hombros; por medio de resonancia magnética se establece el diagnóstico del proceso infeccioso inicial y se descarta el compromiso infeccioso articular, lo cual se asocia a criterios clínicos y se diagnostica y trata la polimialgia reumática.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disease that usually affects people over 50 years old. Since 1963, its name and classification have been modified; at present, there are clinical and imaging data criteria for its diagnosis. Among the imaging criteria, ultrasound plays a pivotal role; however, magnetic resonance helps to rule out different diagnoses, as well as to clarify the diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica. This paper highlights this fact by presenting the case of a 56-year old female patient with a history of paronychia secondary to pedicure, and spondylodiscitis as a complication. Later, she reports symmetrical joint pain in hips and shoulders in the morning; magnetic resonance is used to establish the initial infective process, while infective joint involvement is discarded; it is associated with clinical criteria in order to establish the diagnosis and treatment of polymyalgia rheumatic.

(18)F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of large vessel vasculitis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.

PURPOSE: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) may present together with large vessel vasculitis (LVV), and frequently requires a more intensive therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis and management of LVV associated to PMR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 40 consecutive patients (27 women/13 men, 68.10±10.27 years) with PMR and suspicion of associated LVV submitted for (18)F-FDG PET/CT. A PET/CT scan was obtained 180 min after (18)F-FDG intravenous injection. A visual analysis was performed on the images. Five vascular regions were evaluated: supra-aortic trunks (SAT), thoracic aorta (TA), abdominal aorta (AA), iliac arteries (IA), and femoral/tibioperoneal arteries (FTA). The intensity of uptake was graded from 0 to 3. A final diagnosis of LVV was established in 26/40 patients (65%). RESULTS: In the 26 patients with a diagnosis of LVV, the highest intensity of (18)F-FDG uptake was observed in the TA, SAT, and FTA. All of these patients showed uptake at the TA, with grade 2 and 3 in most cases. In 4 of the 14 patients without LVV, no uptake was observed in any vascular region, and in the other 10 patients only a grade 1 uptake was observed in 1 or to 2 territories. Out of the 20 treated LVV patients, (18)F-FDG PET/CT led to a therapeutic change in 17 (85%). CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG PET/CT was useful in identifying patients with LVV associated to PMR. The detection of vascular inflammation had an important impact, and led to a change of treatment in a high percentage of patients with LVV.

Polimialgia reumática / Polymyalgia rheumatica

La polimialgia reumática es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica común en la poblacióngeriátrica. Su cuadro clínico se caracteriza por dolor en la cintura escapular, región cervicaly caderas, asociado frecuentemente a rigidez de estas áreas articulares posterior a periodosde reposo. El diagnóstico de esta patología es clínico y debe hacerse posterior a descartarotras entidades como artritis reumatoide o espondiloartropatía de aparición tardía. Hastael momento, no hay criterios de clasificación estandarizados y aceptados, por lo que recientementese desarrollaron unos criterios provisionales por parte del Colegio Americano deReumatología y de la Liga Europea Contra el Reumatismo. La polimialgia reumática se asociahasta en un 30% de los pacientes con arteritis de células gigantes. El principal tratamientoes con dosis bajas de glucocorticoides, con lo cual los pacientes presentan rápida mejoríasintomática...

Pleural and pericardial effusion in a patient with polymyalgia rheumatica: a case presentation.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory rheumatic disease that presents with bilateral pain and stiffness affecting mainly proximal muscles. It affects individuals over 50 years of age and it is usually associated with a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Classically, treatment with low-dose corticosteroids results in a dramatic improvement in both symptoms and laboratory findings. We report the case of an 80 years old patient presenting polymyalgia rheumatica coinciding with pleuropericardial effusion. The patient had a very good response to treatment with rapid improvement in the symptomatology and laboratory findings. Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a common disease but it is rarely associated to pleuropericardial effusion. It should be considered in the differential diagnostic in patients presenting with pericardial effusion over 50 of age years due to the good response to treatment.

Polimialgia reumática: estudio descriptivo en Medellín, Colombia / Polymyalgia rheumatica: a descriptive study in Medellin, Colombia

Introducción: la polimialgia reumática (PMR) es una enfermedad inflamatoria que afecta a mayores de 50 años, caracterizada por dolor y rigidez en región cervical, cinturas escapular y pélvica y por una rápida respuesta a los glucocorticoides. Hasta donde sabemos, no hay estudios clínicos sobre PMR en nuestra población. Algunas enfermedades reumatológicas de comienzo tardío como artritis reumatoide (AR), lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), espondiloartropatías y arteritis de células gigantes (ACG) pueden manifestarse con hallazgos de PMR. Igualmente, neoplasias hematológicas y algunos tumores sólidos pueden presentarse con un síndrome polimiálgico. Objetivo: analizar las características clínicas, de laboratorio y terapéuticas de pacientes de Medellín con PMR entre 1998 y 2011. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Se revisaron historias clínicas de pacientes con PMR y al menos 1 visita de seguimiento. Se analizaron variables sociales, demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio y terapéuticas. Resultados: se evaluaron sesenta y nueve pacientes (79,7% mujeres), 68 (98,6%) de los cuales tuvieron dolor y/o rigidez en cintura escapular y 62 (89,8%) en cintura pélvica. La velocidad de sedimentación globular (VSG) fue igual o mayor a 40 mm/h en 43 (62,3%) pacientes y la proteína C reactiva (PCR) igual o mayor a 0,8 mg/dl en 56 (81,2%). El 76.9% de los pacientes recibieron prednisolona en dosis = 15 mg/día; 95,7% respondieron en los 3 primeros meses de tratamiento, 94,2% presentaron remisión (84,6% en los 6 primeros meses) y 39,1% tuvieron recaída (77,8% en el primer año de seguimiento). Los pacientes con VSG elevada tuvieron menor respuesta en el primer mes. Durante el seguimiento, 5 pacientes desarrollaron artritis reumatoide y 2 ACG. Conclusiones: los hallazgos encontrados aportan mayor información sobre las características de los pacientes con PMR en nuestra población y confirman la rápida respuesta al tratamiento con dosis bajas a moderadas de esteroides y menor respuesta inicial en pacientes con VSG elevada. Su diseño y tamaño de muestra son insuficientes para definir asociaciones estadísticamente significativas.

Background: Polymyalgia rheumatic is a syndrome that affects people over 50 years, characterized by pain and stiffness of shoulder and pelvic girdle. Its behavior in our population is unknown. It may be a manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, and neoplasm or could be associated with giant cells arteritis and it is a common indication for steroid usage. Objective: To analyze clinical, laboratory and treatment features of patients with PMR in Medellín between 1998-2011. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study. We reviewed medical records of patients with PMR with at least 1 follow-up visit. We analyzed social, demographic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic variables. Results: The records of 68 patients were assessed, 79.7% women. Pain and stiffness in shoulder and pelvic girdle were major symptoms. 62.3% had erythrocyte sedimentation rate equal to or greater than 40 mm/h and 81.2% had C reactive protein equal to or greater than 0.8 mg/dl. 76.9% received doses of prednisolone of 15 mg/day or below. 95.7% responded within the first 3 months of treatment, 94.2% showed remission (84.6% within the first 6 months), 39.1% relapsed (most within the first year of monitoring). Those with elevated ESR had a lower response in the first month. Five patients developed rheumatoid arthritis and two patients giant cells arteritis. Conclusions: These findings add more information about the clinical characteristics of patients with PMR. They allow suggesting early responses to treatment with low to moderate doses of steroids and a lower initial response in patients with elevated ESR. Design and sample size are insufficient to identify statistically significant associations.

Relación de la biopsia temporal en el diagnóstico de arteritis de células gigantes y sus manifestaciones clínicas / Relation of the temporal artery biopsy in the diagnosis of gigant cell arteritis and its clinic manifestations

Objetivo: determinar el papel de la biopsia de arteria temporal en el diagnóstico de arteritis temporal así como evaluar la efectividad de los criterios del ACR en el diagnóstico de esta entidad. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo. Se revisaron informes de 40 biopsias de arteria temporal recibidas en el servicio de patología del Hospital Privado de Córdoba, Argentina entre 2000 y 2008. El total de biopsias se correlacionó con los hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio. Resultados: 43% de las biopsias resultaron positivas para arteritis de células gigantes, mientras que 57% restante no cumplió los criterios histológicos. Al aplicar los criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología, 65% de los pacientes cumplió los criterios necesarios. De estos 26 individuos, 61% presentó biopsias positivas. De los pacientes que no reunían los criterios americanos, solo uno presentó positividad en la biopsia. Al tomar dichos criterios como parámetro de diagnóstico de la enfermedad y compararlos con la biopsia, cuentan con una sensibilidad de 94% y una especificidad de 56%, un valor predictivo positivo de 61% y un valor predictivo negativo de 93%. Los principales predictores de positividad en la biopsia fueron la claudicación mandibular (OR:6,76), las alteraciones visuales (OR:1,98) y las anomalías en el examen físico de las arterias temporales (OR:2,77). Discusión: el diagnóstico de arteritis de células gigantes surge a partir de la sospecha clínica y no siempre es confirmado por la histopatología. Es importante llegar al mismo debido al riesgo, sobretodo visual, que reviste no iniciar tratamiento con esteroides lo antes posible...

Objectives: to determine the role of temporal artery biopsies in the diagnosis of temporal arteritis and to assess the efficacy of ACR criteria in the recognition of this disease. Material and methods: a retrospective, descriptive, observational study was performed. A total of 40 reports of temporal artery biopsies were reviewed at the Pathology service of our institution between 2000 and 2008. These results were correlated with clinical and laboratory findings. Results: 43% of biopsies were positive for giant cell arteritis, while 57% did not meet histological criteria for giant cell arteritis. By applying the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, 65% of patients met the criteria for giant cell arteritis. Of these 26 individuals, 61% had positive biopsies, while the rest had negative results. From the patients who did not meet American criteria, only one had a positive biopsy. If we take the parameters of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for diagnosing the disease and compared them with the biopsy, we see that they have a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 56%; a positive predictive value of 61% and a negative predictive value of 93%. The main predictors of positive biopsy were jaw claudication (OR:6.76), visual disorders (OR:1.98) and abnormalities on physical examination of temporal arteries (OR:2.77). Discusion: giant cell arteritisdiagnosis mainly arises from the clinical suspicion and is not always confirmed by histopathology. It is important to reach its diagnosis because of the risk, primarily visual, that lies in not starting the steroid treatment as early as possible...

Granuloma actinico de O'Brien / O'Brien actinic granuloma

Se comunica un caso de granuloma actínico en una paciente de sexo femenino, caucásica, la cual presentaba concomitantemente arteritis de la temporal y polimialgia reumática. Actualmente se considera que debido a la fisiopatogenia de las tres entidades mencionadas, podría tratarse la primera, de un marcador de las dos restantes.

We present a female, white, with an actinic granuloma, concomitantly with temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Today it is considered that, due to the phisiopathogenia of the three entities mentioned before, the first one could be used as a reference for the other two.