Temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica in north-eastern Spain: clinical spectrum and relationship over a 15 year period.

Objective: To examine the clinical spectrum of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA) and their relationship over a period of 15 years in an area of north-eastern Spain.

Methods: We undertook a descriptive study of an unselected population of 163 patients with PMR and/or TA diagnosed from 1985 to 1999.

Results: Of the 163 patients included, 90 had isolated PMR, 41 had PMR associated with TA, and 32 had isolated TA.

Musculoskeletal manifestations in polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis.

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of musculoskeletal manifestations in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA).

Methods: The records of 163 cases of PMR or TA diagnosed over a 15 year period in one area of Spain were reviewed for the presence and type of musculoskeletal manifestations.

Results: Of 163 patients, 90 had isolated PMR and 73 had TA.

Lack of association between infection and onset of polymyalgia rheumatica.

Objective: The etiology of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is unknown, but its sudden onset and the wide variation in incidence reported from various parts of the world suggest a genetic predisposition and/or the influence of environmental factors, such as infectious agents or a seasonal effect. We analyzed the influence of season on GCA in our area over the period 1985-97, as well as the possible association between infection and onset.

Methods: Retrospective study of 143 cases of GCA diagnosed from 1985 to 1997.

Longterm therapy in polymyalgia rheumatica: effect of coexistent temporal arteritis.

Objective: To analyze the clinical course and duration of therapy in a series of 104 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), identifying factors that influence prolonged steroid use and relapses.

Methods: Retrospective study of 104 cases of PMR diagnosed from 1985 to 1995. Patients were followed from time of diagnosis until either their death or December 31, 1995.

Bone and skeletal muscle metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma: unusual radiographic, CT and scintigraphic features.

Skeletal metastatic lesions arising from gastric cancer are uncommon and usually of the osteolytic type. In order to gain a better understanding of its radiological spectrum, we report two atypical cases of skeletal metastases from gastric adenocarcinoma presenting with unusual radiographic, CT and scintigraphic features. In one patient multiple ossifying skeletal muscle metastases and bone metastases with spiculated periosteal reaction occurred as a presenting manifestation of the malignant disease.