Polymyalgia rheumatica and diverticular disease: just two distinct age-related disorders or more? Results from a case-control study

The Set up and the Triggers: An Update on the Risk Factors for Giant Cell Arteritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To describe recent research relevant to factors which predispose to giant cell arteritis (GCA) and those which trigger its manifestation, with particular emphasis on the more recent and controversial associations (COVID-19, vaccination, novel medications) which have changed the medical landscape and perhaps GCA prevalence.

RECENT FINDINGS

GCA remains more prevalent in Caucasians but nevertheless affects other racial groups. Certain HLA haplotypes (i.e. DRB1*04) incurs risk of GCA. Polymyalgia rheumatica remains a strong association, and recent evidence also associates GCA with hematologic malignancy. COVID-19 infection may trigger GCA, in addition to vaccination (particularly the COVID-19 vaccine) and reactivated VZV infection, though the latter may be related to a common trigger. PD1-inhibitors may be associated with GCA. Previously establish patterns in geography and latitude are supported. A seasonal pattern of GCA in the summer/spring months is suggested but not proven. Controversy regarding GCA risk factors exists, as well as to whether the overall prevalence of GCA is rising. Given the growing aging population, the total number of cases of GCA will certainly increase, a challenge to which that our healthcare system must continue to rise to meet.

Mid-jejunal diverticulitis with closed-loop bowel obstruction, strangulation, and contained perforation

Key Clinical Message

Closed-loop bowel obstruction and contained perforation secondary to acute on chronic jejunal diverticulitis is rare and should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. The association between polymyalgia rheumatica and diverticular disease requires further research but may prompt clinicians to consider appropriate therapies in patients with both diseases.

Abstract

Jejunal diverticulosis is a sac-like outpouching of the intestinal wall that can cause complications such as diverticulitis, obstruction, abscess, perforation, or fistula formation. Complicated jejunal diverticulosis may present with acute abdomen and nonspecific symptoms which can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. A 76-year-old male with a remote history of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) presented with sudden onset abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass flatus. Physical exam revealed a distended and diffusely tender abdomen with signs of peritonitis. Laboratory test results were significant for neutrophil-dominant leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. CT scan of the abdomen with IV contrast revealed a contained perforation and a closed-loop small bowel obstruction in the mid-abdomen. The patient underwent emergent exploratory laparotomy and resection of 100 cm of mid-jejunum which was found to have numerous diverticula surrounding the closed-loop obstruction and contained perforation. Pathology findings showed evidence of acute on chronic jejunal diverticulitis. Jejunal diverticulosis with complications may present with an acute abdomen and peritonitis. Closed-loop bowel obstruction and contained perforation secondary to acute on chronic jejunal diverticulitis is uncommonly thought of and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Additionally, the association between PMR and diverticular disease is notable. While the patient had a remote history but no active PMR on presentation, studies suggest a possible association between gut inflammation and rheumatologic disease. This association should prompt clinicians to consider appropriate therapies and bear in mind the potential risk for diverticular perforation if glucocorticoids are given to treat PMR. Jejunal diverticulosis with multiple complications such as closed-loop bowel obstruction and contained perforation secondary to acute on chronic jejunal diverticulitis is rare and may present with an acute abdomen and nonspecific symptoms. Including rare pathologies as such in the differential diagnosis may prevent misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. While further investigation is needed, the association between diverticulosis and PMR is noteworthy as patients who present with both diseases would require mindful management due to the potential risk of diverticular perforation after treatment with steroids.

Why is polymyalgia rheumatica a disease of older adults? Explanations through etiology and pathogenesis: a narrative review

Polymyalgia rheumatica is one of the most common inflammatory rheumatic conditions in older adults. The disease is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder and pelvic girdle. Polymyalgia rheumatica is almost always observed in adults over the age of 50. The current article aimed to provide explanations for the age preference of polymyalgia rheumatica by reviewing the literature regarding disease etiology and pathogenesis. Potential factors related to the association between polymyalgia rheumatica and aging include immunosenescence/inflammaging, increased risk of infections by aging, endocrinosenescence, and age-related changes in gut microbiota. These factors and their potential contributions to immune-mediated inflammation will be discussed.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Inpatient Multimodal Treatment Approach in Chronic Pain-Related Rheumatic Diseases

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders may cause chronic pain, which is associated with deterioration in physical well-being, functions, and quality of life. There are worldwide shortfalls in the care that is provided to the affected patients. Holistic, interdisciplinary care is rare. Monomodal therapeutic approaches dominate when health-care resources are scarce. In this study, we test the patient-relevant outcomes of multimodal treatment for rheumatic diseases that are associated with pain and check for remuneration.

Methods

We performed a retrospective data analysis of an inpatient multimodal treatment. The target parameter was the patient perspective, which we assessed by means of Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO). We applied the Visual Analogue Scale (mental and physical condition), the Heidelberg Short Early Risk Assessment Questionnaire, the Pain Disability Index, and the pain grading according to Kohlmann/Raspe (N = 375 patients). We also investigated compensation for inpatient treatments with and without multimodal treatments. Moreover, we compared Diagnosis-Related Group remuneration with and without complex treatment.

Results

After implementing a multimodal treatment, improved mental (mood) status was significantly better (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < . 001), despite high levels of pain (Kohlmann/Raspe) reported on admission. Apart from the underlying rheumatic disease, 111 patients also reported chronic back pain, which was improved following the treatment (t test, P < . 001). Subjective impairments associated with pain were significantly lower at the end of the hospital stay (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < . 001). Compensation for inpatient treatments with multimodal treatments increased noticeably in German hospitals in 2016 to 2019, while remunerations for monomodal treatments show mixed results.

Conclusion

PROs regarding mood, pain, and perceived impairments improved following the multimodal complex treatment. Compensation of hospitals should take into account additional performance requirements of holistic treatments, whereby the promotion and further studies of PROs are recommended.

Comorbidities in polymyalgia rheumatica: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Comorbidities are known to exist in many rheumatological conditions. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory rheumatological condition affecting older people which, prior to effective treatment, causes severe disability. Our understanding of associated comorbidities in PMR is based only on case reports or series and small cohort studies. The objective of this study is to review systematically the existing literature on the comorbidities associated with PMR.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases were searched for original observational research from inception to November 2016. Papers containing the words 'Polymyalgia Rheumatica' OR 'Giant Cell Arteritis' OR the terms 'PMR' OR 'GCA' were included. Article titles were reviewed based on pre-defined criteria by two reviewers. Following selection for inclusion, studies were quality assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool and data were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 17,329 papers were reviewed and 41 were incorporated in this review, including three published after the search took place. Wide variations were found in study design, comorbidities reported and populations studied. Positive associations were found between PMR diagnosis and stroke, cardiovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, diverticular disease and hypothyroidism. Two studies reported a positive association between PMR and overall malignancy rate. Seven studies reported an association between PMR and specific types of cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloproliferative disease and specified solid tumours, although nine studies found either no or negative association between cancer and PMR.

CONCLUSION

Quantification of the prevalence of comorbidities in PMR is important to accurately plan service provision and enable identification of cases of PMR which may be more difficult to treat. This review highlights that research into comorbidities in PMR is, overall, methodologically inadequate and does not comprehensively cover all comorbidities. Future studies should consider a range of comorbidities in patients with a validated diagnosis of PMR in representative populations.