Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis vs. polymyalgia rheumatica: Differences in pathogenesis
Jinzhi Wu, Fan Yang, Xinlei Ma, Jin Lin, Weiqian Chen
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the facet joints. Elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis appears to exhibit symptoms similar to those of polymyalgia rheumatica, characterized by morning stiffness and pain in the shoulder and hip joints. Both diseases develop in the elderly, and it is sometimes challenging to distinguish them. Here, we identify the differences in pathogenesis between elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica to assist with a clear differential diagnosis and effective early intervention.
Topics & Concepts
Polymyalgia rheumaticaRheumatoid arthritisMedicinePathogenesisMorning stiffnessDiseaseArthritisInternal medicinePhysical therapyDermatologyGiant cell arteritisVasculitisPsoriatic arthritisSystemic Lupus Erythematosus ResearchVasculitis and related conditionsPeripheral Neuropathies and Disorders