Is PMR always associated with RA

Posted by justurtle @justurtle, Jan 23 8:47pm

My husband was diagnosed with PMR after a very strange episode of the flu (possibly COVID) about 4 yrs ago.
After much testing and X-rays his dr assessed that it’s RA. He shows symptoms of both: joint pain and swelling. Ligaments in legs are seem compromised.
Is this normal to have both diagnosis? Drs. not alarmed at moments. Husband on light meds.

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Welcome @justurtle, Interesting question that I'm sure others may have some thoughts on but then we are patients and not rheumatologists with experience diagnosing PMR and rheumatoid arthritis. Here is some information that may shed some light on your question:

"Can you have polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis at the same time? It's also unlikely for you to have both PMR and RA at the same time. One condition that does often co-occur with PMR is called giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis. It is a type of blood vessel inflammation."
--- Polymyalgia Rheumatica vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: https://www.healthline.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica-vs-rheumatoid-arthritis.

"Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an auto-inflammatory rheumatic disease of people over 50 years, presenting with pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder and hip girdles1. The term PMR was first used to underline that it seemed substantially milder from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as no joint damage had been observed2. However, this name may be misleading as PMR is a disease but not a non-specific myalgic or paraneoplastic syndrome."
--- Diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica usually means a favourable outcome for your patient: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5644293/

Do you mind sharing a little more about the medication used for your husband's treatment? Has his pain lessened?

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My experience with PMR led to eventually diagnosing underlying psoriatic arthritis. Ultrasound is helpful in
disclosing tendon and ligament inflammation. Are the
labs positive for RA antibodies.? I have very subtle psoriasis which was disregarded by my first consultant
rheumatologist. If there is significant systemic inflammation it warrants a cardiac risk assessment for
atherosclerosis prevention.

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Thank you. My husband was diagnosed with subtle psoriasis also.
Will chk last lab report for RA antibodies.

Very helpful. Thanks.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @justurtle, Interesting question that I'm sure others may have some thoughts on but then we are patients and not rheumatologists with experience diagnosing PMR and rheumatoid arthritis. Here is some information that may shed some light on your question:

"Can you have polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis at the same time? It's also unlikely for you to have both PMR and RA at the same time. One condition that does often co-occur with PMR is called giant cell arteritis or temporal arteritis. It is a type of blood vessel inflammation."
--- Polymyalgia Rheumatica vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis: https://www.healthline.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica-vs-rheumatoid-arthritis.

"Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an auto-inflammatory rheumatic disease of people over 50 years, presenting with pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder and hip girdles1. The term PMR was first used to underline that it seemed substantially milder from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as no joint damage had been observed2. However, this name may be misleading as PMR is a disease but not a non-specific myalgic or paraneoplastic syndrome."
--- Diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica usually means a favourable outcome for your patient: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5644293/

Do you mind sharing a little more about the medication used for your husband's treatment? Has his pain lessened?

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This is so helpful. Thank you.
Husband takes 200 MG Hydroxychloroquine 2x daily

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