Diagnosis |
Helpful features |
Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus |
Symmetrical polyarthritis, systemic features (dermatitis,
nephritis), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serologic
abnormalities (rheumatoid factor, anti-DNA antibodies) |
Polymyalgia rheumatica |
Elderly, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, stiffness>pain, responds well and quickly to steroids |
Myositis |
Muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzymes |
Hypothyroidism |
Abnormal thyroid function tests |
Hyperparathyroidism |
Hypercalcemia |
Neuropathies |
Clinical and electrical evidence of neuropathy |