Primary systemic amyloidosis presenting as giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica

Arthritis Rheum. 1994 Nov;37(11):1621-6. doi: 10.1002/art.1780371111.

Abstract

Primary systemic amyloidosis may present with features suggesting a vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). In this report, we describe the clinical characteristics, temporal artery biopsy findings, and the response of vascular and musculoskeletal symptoms to corticosteroid therapy in 4 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis who presented with manifestations of GCA or PMR.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Amyloidosis / diagnosis
  • Amyloidosis / drug therapy
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / etiology*
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intermittent Claudication / etiology
  • Male
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica / etiology*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Temporal Arteries / pathology

Substances

  • Prednisone