title: Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis vs polymyalgia rheumatica: making the diagnosis.
abstract: Differentiating polymyalgia rheumatica from the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly has been the cause of much unnecessary confusion. Differential diagnosis of these disorders can be straightforward. A strategy is outlined, comprising a complete history, attention to clinical signs, and appropriate use of laboratory diagnostics. The clinical picture of each disorder is discussed, as are common obstacles to diagnosis.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011111:Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000032:analysis; D013585:Synovitis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D012217:Rheumatoid Factor; D011241:Prednisone