Rheumatology Edition | What Primary Care Providers Need to Know About Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Host: Darryl S. Chutka. M.D.; [@chutkaMD]

Guest: Cornelia M. Weyand, M.D., Ph.D.

Guest: Kenneth J. Warrington, M.D.

Rheumatologic problems are some of the most common health conditions we see as primary care professionals. In many cases, taking months and sometimes years to properly diagnose, rheumatologic conditions can become frustrating for both the provider and the patient. There are a variety of new tests available to help us establish a diagnosis, as well as multiple new and effective treatment options. This episode is part of a seven-episode mini-series on Mayo Clinic Talks dedicated to rheumatologic health problems to aid in the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment for your patients. Please find these episodes where you listen to podcasts or on ce.mayo.edu.

Polymyalgia rheumatica was first described in 1966 as a case report. It can have a wide range of symptoms and at times, can be challenging to diagnose. As with most rheumatologic disorders, the exact cause isn’t known. While there are no specific laboratory tests which establish a diagnosis, there are some that are very useful. One of the most important features of polymyalgia is its relationship with vasculitis and temporal arteritis. In this podcast, we’ll discuss polymyalgia rheumatica with rheumatologists Cornelia M. Weyand, M.D., Ph.D., and Kenneth J. Warrington, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic. We’ll review the typical presenting symptoms, how to establish a diagnosis, helpful laboratory tests and its management.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd. Learn more about our Rheumatology Edition here: https://ce.mayo.edu/content/mayo-clinic-talks-rheumatology-edition