Patients with GCA may also develop what condition characterized by fatigue and morning stiffness?

Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) often develop Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), which is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue and morning stiffness. PMR is an inflammatory condition that specifically affects the shoulder and hip areas, resulting in significant discomfort and difficulty with mobility, particularly after periods of rest.

The relationship between GCA and PMR is particularly notable as both conditions share underlying inflammatory processes and are commonly seen in older adults. About 50% of patients with GCA may also experience symptoms of PMR, making it an important condition to recognize in those diagnosed with GCA. The presence of morning stiffness is a hallmark of PMR and differentiates it from other arthritic conditions, which may display more sustained or episodic pain.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is a separate autoimmune condition primarily affecting the joints and is characterized by synovitis and potential joint deformation. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease associated with wear and tear rather than inflammatory processes, and fibromyalgia primarily presents with widespread pain rather than the localized stiffness and pain found in PMR.