Imaging in polymyalgia rheumatica: which technique to use?

Abstract

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PM) is an inflammatory rheumatic disorder characterised by pain and stiffness, mainly in the neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle and possible association with giant cell arteritis. Currently, there is no diagnostic gold standard for PM, however, an extensive assessment of patients' inflammatory status aided by imaging evaluation is crucial for disease stratification. Many imaging techniques study PM features and their possible complications or associations with giant cell arteritis: radiography, ultrasound, scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Each one has different advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this review is to clarify the current uses of imaging in PM for diagnosis and follow-up through a literature review of the last 10 years.