A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 102 PATIENTS WITH THE POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA SYNDROME

Abstract

A prospective study was undertaken of 102 patients initially diagnosed as having polymyalgia rheumatica/temporal arteritis. The mean period of follow-up was 5.2 years. The delay between onset of symptoms and referral for specialist opinion was 6.2 months. The proportion of patients referred with the correct diagnosis by the general practitioner increased from 4% to 10% over a 10-year period from 1964 to 1974. Seventy-four per cent of patients presented with limitation of shoulder movement. During follow-up, 12% of patients developed myocardial infarction and aorto-fernoral occlusive disease occurred in 6%. One patient became blind due to central artery occlusion. Steroid therapy had to be continued for at least five years in 84% of cases.