Abstract

Rheumatological syndromes are generally chronic and this is often reflected in the onset and persistence of symptoms such as pain, whose physiopathological characteristics may change over time. It has been known for some time that as many as 15-30% of patients with classic autoimmune or rheumatic disorders also have a co-morbid fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). As these rates are much higher than the prevalence of FMS in the general population (2%), it seems that the pain and/or stress accompanying chronic rheumatic diseases is also capable of triggering conditions such as FMS. FMS is also a confounding factor for diagnosing and assessing rheumatic disease activity. Recognition of concomitant FMS in rheumatologic diseases is important for the optimal management of these diseases. In clinical practice, the co-expression of FMS and a rheumatologic disease deserves special attention. First, the development of FMS may go unrecognized, especially when it develops after a rheumatologic disease. More commonly, FMS is misdiagnosed as an autoimmune disorder. In the clinical setting, it is important to differentiate FMS and FMS-related symptoms from pre-existing rheumatologic disorders. Considerations of the FMS component in the management of rheumatologic diseases increase the likelihood of the success of the treatment. In this review, the link between FMS and the different rheumatic diseases will be high-lighted.

Keywords: Fibromyalgia syndrome; Rheumatic diseases; Pathophysiology; Comorbidity