Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

polymorphonuclear leukocyte
See 
leukocyte,
polymorphonuclear.
polymyalgia rheumatica
A disorder of the mus-
cles and joints that is characterized by pain and stiff-
ness that affect both sides of the body and involves
the shoulders, arms, neck, and buttock areas.
Abbreviated PMR. PMR generally affects persons
who are over the age of 50 years. Blood testing in a
person with PMR usually shows a significantly ele-
vated sedimentation rate. PMR is characteristically
very responsive to treatment with low doses of cor-
tisone-related medications, such as prednisone.
polymyositis
An autoimmune inflammatory dis-
ease of muscle that begins when white blood cells
spontaneously invade muscles, especially those
closest to the trunk or torso. This immune activity
results in muscle pain, tenderness, and weakness.
Blood testing in a person with polymyositis shows
significantly elevated creatinine phosphokinase lev-
els. The diagnosis is further suggested by elec-
tromyogram testing and confirmed with muscle
biopsy. Treatment of polymyositis requires high
doses of cortisone-related medications, such as
prednisone, and immune suppression with medica-
tions, such as methotrexate and cyclophosphamide.
polyneuritis, acute idiopathic
See 
Guillain
-
Barre syndrome.
polyostotic fibrous dysplasia
A disorder that
features the replacement of multiple areas of bone
by fibrous tissue, which may cause fractures and
deformity of the legs, arms, and skull. A genetic dis-
order that is characterized by polyostotic fibrous
dysplasia along with skin pigmentation and hor-
monal problems, with premature sexual develop-
ment, is known as McCune-Albright’s syndrome.
The flat areas of increased skin pigment are called
café au lait spots. The hormonal problems that can
be related to polyostotic fibrous dysplasia include
early puberty (with premature menstrual bleeding
and development of breasts and pubic hair), thyroid
abnormalities, and an increased rate of growth. Also
known as McCune-Albright syndrome.