[Polymyalgia rheumatica as a form of presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus].

Three cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with clinical presentation similar to a rheumatic polymyalgia (RP) are described. There was no evidence of underlying myopathy in any of the cases thus suggesting that the synovitis is the pathogenic mechanism. The late onset and the poor serologic expression are the relevant clinical signs which could delay or hinder the diagnosis.