Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Aug 18, 2023
  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Many systemic conditions are associated with cutaneous calcification, and many of them may secondarily ossify. Consider the following:

  • Dystrophic calcification (eg, scleroderma; calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal motility disorder, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia [CREST] syndrome; panniculitis; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; Werner syndrome; some cutaneous neoplasms; after traumatization)

  • Metastatic calcification [29]

  • Iatrogenic calcification (as a complication of intravenous calcium chloride and calcium gluconate therapy)

  • The identification of disease-related and flare-up-associated biomarkers for FOP has been devised. [30]

A special concern is recognizing classic clinical features of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) prior to the appearance of heterotopic ossification, avoiding surgical interventions that may lead to irreversible iatrogenic harm. [31]

Differential Diagnoses