What complication is commonly associated with untreated Polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects older adults, leading to muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips. One significant complication associated with untreated polymyalgia rheumatica is giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis. This condition involves inflammation of the arteries, particularly the temporal arteries, which can lead to serious consequences, including vision loss, if not promptly treated.

The reason giant cell arteritis is a concern in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica lies in the overlapping symptoms and the inflammatory nature of both conditions. In fact, approximately 10-15% of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica may develop giant cell arteritis, making it a critical complication that warrants awareness and early intervention.

Other complications associated with polymyalgia rheumatica, while potentially serious, do not have the same direct and immediate risk factors as giant cell arteritis. For example, while malnutrition is not a common direct complication, it can arise indirectly due to loss of appetite associated with severe pain. Vision impairment could result from giant cell arteritis, but it is not a standalone complication of polymyalgia rheumatica without the presence of the arteritis. Diabetes mellitus is unrelated to polym