title: Differential diagnosis of scleroderma and pseudoscleroderma.
abstract: The different forms of scleroderma and the pseudosclerodermas, which clinically partially imitate scleroderma, are rare. Due to the large variety and variability of the clinical course, particularly at the onset of disease, diagnosis may be difficult. For differential diagnosis, the presence of Raynaud phenomenon, antinuclear antibodies and the distribution of sclerosis play essential roles. Besides discussing the diseases that should be considered in the differential diagnosis, we present an algorithm which should facilitate the diagnosis and allow one to promptly initiate appropriate treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, University of Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fabri
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hunzelmann
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D046169:Dermoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*