Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Arteritis (say: ar-ter-eye-tiss) is a condition in which the arteries become inflamed (swell). Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen through the body from the heart.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) can occur in the arteries of the arms, upper body and neck. However, it usually affects the arteries that are above and in front of the ears on both sides of the head (the temples). This type of GCA is also sometimes called the temporal arteritis or cranial arteritis.

The symptoms of GCA include:

Often, a biopsy of the temporal artery is needed to confirm the diagnosis. For this biopsy, a small piece of the temporal artery is removed and looked at under a microscope. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for inflammation of the arteries and to rule out other conditions.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (say: pol-lee-my-al-jah roo-matt-tick-ah) is a condition in which the muscles in your neck, shoulders, hips and thighs become inflamed. This causes stiffness and aching in these areas. Polymyalgia rheumatica is also called PMR.

The symptoms of PMR include:

Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. He or she may order a blood test, which can help detect inflammation of your arteries and check your blood count. Your doctor may also order a muscle biopsy to check for PMR.

Between 10% to 20% of people who have PMR also have GCA, and about half of people who have GCA also have PMR. They can have these diseases at the same time, or GCA can develop after PMR.

No one knows what causes the inflammation associated with GCA or PMR. Problems with the immune system and aging are possible factors.

You are more likely to develop GCA and PMR is you are older than 50 years of age. They are most common in women between 70 and 80 years of age. For unknown reasons, Caucasian people are more likely to develop GCA and PMR than other races.

For mild cases of PMR, your doctor may recommend you take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs). These medicines include aspirin, ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (one brand name: Aleve). However, NSAIDs are not effective in the treatment of GCA.

Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid to treat the inflammation and pain associated with GCA and more severe cases of PMR. These medicines are taken orally (in pill form). Once you start taking a corticosteroid, you should feel better quickly. You may need to take this medicine for up to 2 years. Taking a corticosteroid for a long time can raise your blood pressure, your blood sugar level, or weaken your bones. Your doctor will need to keep checking you for the these side effects during your treatment.

Eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can help relieve the symptoms of both GCA and PMR.