Conditions that might mimic polymyalgia rheumatica and investigations stipulated to exclude them
| Mimicking condition | Investigations to exclude |
|---|---|
| ANF, antinuclear factor; CPK, creatine phosphokinase. | |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Rheumatoid factor, x ray of hands, possibly feet, and any other affected joint |
| Capsulitis of shoulder | Full examination of shoulder with clinical history |
| Cervical spondylosis | Clinical history, x ray of cervical spine |
| Osteoarthritis of shoulder | Shoulder x ray |
| Polymyositis | CPK, electromyography where clinically indicated |
| Thyrotoxicosis | Thyroid function tests |
| Myopathies | Clinical examination, compatible electromyography |
| Systemic lupus erythematosus | ANF, DNA binding |
| Polyarteritis nodosa | Clinical picture |
| Dermatomyositis | Clinical picture, CPK |
| Multiple myeloma | Serum and urine electrophoresis |
| Neoplasm | Careful clinical history, chest x ray, occult blood |
| Parkinson’s disease | Clinical history and clinical signs |
| Subacute bacterial endocarditis | Heart murmurs, blood cultures |