This monograph offers current insights into polymalgia rheumatica and giant cell arthritis. It covers the pathophysiology of these diseases plus their genetic, immunologic and endocrinologic mechanisms. It also addresses the latest in diagnosis and treatment.

In the present monograph, we offer current insights into polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arthritis. Both diseases are typical for advanced age, and their incidences increase with aging. Both diseases are a center point of interest not only for rheu- tologists, gerontologists, ophthalmologists or neurologists, but also for general prac- tioners. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment, mainly with glucocorticoids can save one of the most precious senses-vision. Damage to other organs (heart, aorta, co- nary arteries, liver, lungs, kidneys), which are supplied by the arteries affected by ischemic syndrome in the setting of giant cell arthritis, has serious consequences as well. Late diagnosis of giant cell arthritis can have fatal consequences for affected patients. It is a matter of fact that the human population is aging. Therefore, more attention has to be paid not only to diagnosis, clinical course and treatment of rheumatic d- eases in elderly, but also to their genetic, immunologic, endocrinologic, chronobiologic mechanisms, and state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. I am convinced that the int- disciplinary research of the diseases will allow us to diagnose and treat the rheumatic diseases even faster and more effectively in the future.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis — an overview with a focus on important factors contributing to the severity of the disease.- Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Temporal Arteritis and Occurrence of Malignant Tumors.- Coronary involvement and atherosclerosis in Giant Cell Arteritis.- T cells and their role in Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.- Cytokines in Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.- Genetic factors in Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica.- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and vascular complications.- Chronobiology of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.- Histopathology of Giant Cell (temporal) Arteritis — changes in aorta.- Ultrasonography in Polymyalgia Rheumatica and/or Giant Cell Arteritis.- Therapy of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.- Diagnostic Criteria, Treatment, and Monitoring of Polymyalgia Rheumatica/Giant Cell Arteritis.

In the present monograph, we offer current insights into polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arthritis. Both diseases are typical for advanced age, and their incidences increase with aging. Both diseases are a center point of interest not only for rheu- tologists, gerontologists, ophthalmologists or neurologists, but also for general prac- tioners. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment, mainly with glucocorticoids can save one of the most precious senses-vision. Damage to other organs (heart, aorta, co- nary arteries, liver, lungs, kidneys), which are supplied by the arteries affected by ischemic syndrome in the setting of giant cell arthritis, has serious consequences as well. Late diagnosis of giant cell arthritis can have fatal consequences for affected patients. It is a matter of fact that the human population is aging. Therefore, more attention has to be paid not only to diagnosis, clinical course and treatment of rheumatic d- eases in elderly, but also to their genetic, immunologic, endocrinologic, chronobiologic mechanisms, and state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. I am convinced that the int- disciplinary research of the diseases will allow us to diagnose and treat the rheumatic diseases even faster and more effectively in the future.