polymyalgia rheumatica

[pol-ee-mahy-al-jee-uh roo-mat-i-kuh, -al-juh]

noun

Pathology.

1. a chronic inflammatory disease, common among older persons, characterized by recurrent episodes of muscle pain and stiffness, sometimes leading to cardiovascular complications or blindness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polymyalgia rheumatica¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1955–60; poly-, myalgia, rheumatic

Example Sentences

Scientists have found success in treating a 'neglected' inflammatory condition, polymyalgia rheumatica, with a drug that could provide an alternative to steroids for patients.

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Ashton has an autoimmune disorder called polymyalgia rheumatica that makes her vulnerable to sickness.

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According to the American College of Rheumatology, about 15 percent of people with polymyalgia rheumatica will also develop temporal arteritis, and half of people with temporal arteritis will also have polymyalgia rheumatica, so anyone with either of these conditions should be alert to the symptoms of the other.

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Polymyalgia rheumatica, or PMR, more commonly afflicts women — most often Caucasians.

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Both women were in their mid-70s when they were seized by different but related inflammatory autoimmune conditions — polymyalgia rheumatica in Ms. Uffner, temporal arteritis in Ms. Sullivan.

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