Polymyalgia rheumatica pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

The underlying pathophysiology of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) remains unknown. It has been hypothesized that genetic and environmental factors are implicated, particularly due to the seasonal and geographical differences in the prevalence of this disease. It has also been hypothesized that PMR is associated with infections such as parainfluenza virus type 1, mycoplasma pneumoniae, chlamydia pneumoniae, and parvovirus B19. In addition, histological exam of synovial biopsies of affected individuals revealed mild synovitis with predominance of CD4 T cells and macrophages.