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Which muscle disorder has a significant association with giant cell arteritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Osteoarthritis
The correct answer is: Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a muscle disorder that has a significant association with giant cell arteritis, which is also known as temporal arteritis. Both conditions are inflammatory diseases, and they often occur together, particularly in older adults. Polymyalgia rheumatica is characterized by muscular pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips, and it can serve as a precursor to giant cell arteritis. The presence of polymyalgia rheumatica increases the risk of developing giant cell arteritis, as they both stem from similar underlying inflammatory mechanisms. Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica should be monitored for symptoms of giant cell arteritis due to the increased risk, which can lead to serious complications like vision loss if not promptly treated. In contrast, the other disorders listed do not show the same level of association with giant cell arteritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoarthritis, while they may involve muscle and joint issues, do not have the same significant overlap or connection as polymyalgia rheumatica does with giant cell arteritis.