title: Scleroderma-like disorders.
abstract: Fibrosing disorders comprise a wide spectrum of heterogeneous diseases characterized by sclerosis of the dermis, subcutis, and sometimes the underlying soft tissues and bone. The hallmark of this group of diseases is skin thickening as in systemic sclerosis with a different distribution pattern and for this reason they have also been referred to as "scleroderma-like" disorders. These diseases may have a different clinical course ranging from a benign disease with a localized cutaneous involvement, to a widespread, systemic, life-threatening disease. Some of them are associated with autoantibodies and/or autoimmune conditions. An accurate recognition of these scleroderma-like diseases is important for the institution of the most appropriate treatment.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria V. Emanuele, Ferrarotto, S. Bambino Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Foti
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leonardi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rondinone
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Gangi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Leonetti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canova
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Doria
mesh_terms: D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology; D016603:Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D005355:Fibrosis; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008303:Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D008557:Melorheostosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D016878:POEMS Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D010661:Phenylketonurias / Q000503:physiopathology; D017119:Porphyria Cutanea Tarda / Q000503:physiopathology; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000503:physiopathology; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000503:physiopathology; D053718:Scleromyxedema / Q000503:physiopathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D014898:Werner Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology