Rheumatic disease | Helpful differential diagnostic features |
SLE | - Rash, systemic signs/symptoms, elevated ESR/CRP
- Significantly positive ANA, anti-DNA antibody
- Abnormal hematologic tests
|
PMR | - Proximal muscle stiffness rather than pain
- Age greater than 60
- Elevated ESR/CRP
|
Spondyloarthritis | - Primarily back pain and stiffness
- Limited spine mobility
- Elevated ESR/CRP
- Abnormal radiographs/imaging
|
Myopathy/myositis | - Muscle weakness
- Elevated CK
|