Which inflammatory markers are typically elevated in polymyalgia rheumatica?

Study for the Step 3 UWSA Exam with our challenging quiz. Prepare with detailed explanations for each question, ensuring you're well-equipped for success. Enhance your understanding and boost your exam confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which inflammatory markers are typically elevated in polymyalgia rheumatica?

Explanation:
PMR is driven by systemic inflammation, so acute-phase reactants rise. The pattern you typically see is both ESR and CRP elevated, reflecting active inflammation. CRP is usually very sensitive and rises quickly, while ESR also increases but can be influenced by age, anemia, and other factors. CK is not characteristically elevated in PMR because there isn’t ongoing muscle fiber destruction, and a decreased ESR would not fit the inflammatory picture. So the finding of elevated ESR and CRP best fits polymyalgia rheumatica.

PMR is driven by systemic inflammation, so acute-phase reactants rise. The pattern you typically see is both ESR and CRP elevated, reflecting active inflammation. CRP is usually very sensitive and rises quickly, while ESR also increases but can be influenced by age, anemia, and other factors. CK is not characteristically elevated in PMR because there isn’t ongoing muscle fiber destruction, and a decreased ESR would not fit the inflammatory picture. So the finding of elevated ESR and CRP best fits polymyalgia rheumatica.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy