Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica Associated with Excess Risk for Vascular Events?

Many autoimmune rheumatologic disorders are associated with excess cardiovascular risk. In this study, researchers used the U.K.'s General Practice Research Database to determine whether this observation also applies to polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Between 1987 and 1999, about 3200 patients (mean age, 72) with no history of adverse vascular events were diagnosed with PMR and treated with corticosteroids. Long-term vascular outcomes in these patients were compared to those of controls matched for age, sex, and practice location.

Median follow-up was 8 years; the estimated cumulative probability of having an adverse vascular event at 8 years was about 25% in the PMR group. After adjustment for demographic variables and standard vascular risk …