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Proximal muscle weakness in children, as well as adults, can be the presenting feature of a wide range of diseases including but not limited to the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, muscle dystrophies, metabolic, endocrine, and drug-induced myopathies. Certain diagnostic clues such as selective muscle involvement in inherited dystrophies, cramping on exertion in metabolic myopathies, diffuse muscular pain in endocrinal myopathies, and relevant drug history along with a lack of appropriate treatment response to steroids should be considered. Awareness of other possibilities and a keen eye to identify the mimics may avoid diagnostic delays and allow timely treatment. In this review, we cover some of the salient features of the various myositis mimics and the pertinent investigation findings as well as gray areas which may confound recognition of the underlying etiology. Later, we discuss key features of certain mimics while providing an overview of the differential diagnosis and clinical management for treating clinicians.

Proximal muscle weakness in children, as well as adults, can be the presenting feature of a wide range of diseases including but not limited to the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, muscle dystrophies, metabolic, endocrine, and drug-induced myopathies. Certain diagnostic clues such as selective muscle involvement in inherited dystrophies, cramping on exertion in metabolic myopathies, diffuse muscular pain in endocrinal myopathies, and relevant drug history along with a lack of appropriate treatment response to steroids should be considered. Awareness of other possibilities and a keen eye to identify the mimics may avoid diagnostic delays and allow timely treatment. In this review, we cover some of the salient features of the various myositis mimics and the pertinent investigation findings as well as gray areas which may confound recognition of the underlying etiology. Later, we discuss key features of certain mimics while providing an overview of the differential diagnosis and clinical management for treating clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterised typically by tightening and tethering of skin. However, several other disorders are also characterised by hardening and thickening of skin. These mimics can be potentially confused with systemic sclerosis, leading to a misdiagnosis. This review describes the aetiopathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of Morphea (localised scleroderma), Scleredema, Scleromyxoedema, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy, chronic GVHD, POEMS syndrome and drug induced scleroderma like illness. A careful and thorough clinical assessment is essential in order to differentiate these mimics from each other and from systemic sclerosis, establish the diagnosis, and initiate appropriate treatment.

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterised typically by tightening and tethering of skin. However, several other disorders are also characterised by hardening and thickening of skin. These mimics can be potentially confused with systemic sclerosis, leading to a misdiagnosis. This review describes the aetiopathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of Morphea (localised scleroderma), Scleredema, Scleromyxoedema, Eosinophilic fasciitis, Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy, chronic GVHD, POEMS syndrome and drug induced scleroderma like illness. A careful and thorough clinical assessment is essential in order to differentiate these mimics from each other and from systemic sclerosis, establish the diagnosis, and initiate appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]