Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: A Man Turned to Stone.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an exceptionally rare genetic disorder, representing humans' most debilitating form of extraskeletal ossification. It is characterized by progressive postnatal heterotopic ossification of connective tissue and malformations of the big toes. In FOP, ectopic ossification usually begins in the upper paraspinal muscles and then spreads from axial to appendicular regions, cranial to caudal directions, and proximal to distal sites. The mean life expectancy for these patients is typically 40-50 years. Most patients need partial or complete assistance with walking by age 30, and common causes of death include thoracic insufficiency syndrome and pneumonia. We present the case of a patient with an advanced stage of FOP, highlighting its complex and progressive nature. The patient exhibits severe impairment of jaw mobility, swallowing difficulties, speech impediments, and hearing impairment. Additionally, severe kyphoscoliosis, heterotopic ossification of intercostal and paravertebral muscles, and ankylosis of the spine and all major joints of the upper and lower extremities, except the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, are evident. We discuss disease presentation, current management options, and rehabilitation challenges. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this rare disease from our country.

An Atypical Presentation of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva and the Imperative for Multidisciplinary Care: A Case Report.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the gradual heterotopic ossification of soft tissues, leading to abnormal bone growth within muscles, tendons, and ligaments, due to a mutation in the ACVR1 gene. This specific case report highlights an unusual occurrence of FOP, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges and the importance of quick identification and appropriate intervention to mitigate its debilitating effects. The report also underscores the need for comprehensive genetic counseling and a multidisciplinary treatment approach, involving experts, such as orthopedic specialists, geneticists, and physical therapists, to improve the prognosis and overall well-being of those affected by FOP.

Successful experience of tofacitinib treatment in patients with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder that is caused by a mutation in the ACVR1 gene and provokes severe heterotopic ossification. Since flares of the disease are associated with inflammation, it is assumed that JAK inhibitors can control active FOP due to blocking multiple signaling pathways.

Novel Therapeutic Targets for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: Emerging Strategies and Future Directions.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), also known as Stoneman syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormal bone development caused by activating mutations of the ACVR1 gene. FOP affects both the developmental and postnatal stages, resulting in musculoskeletal abnormalities and heterotopic ossification. Current treatment options for FOP are limited, emphasizing the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Challenges in the development of management criteria for FOP include difficulties in recruitment due to the rarity of FOP, disease variability, the absence of reliable biomarkers, and ethical considerations regarding placebo-controlled trials. This narrative review provides an overview of the disease and explores emerging strategies for FOP treatment. Gene therapy, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9) system, holds promise in treating FOP by specifically targeting the ACVR1 gene mutation. Another gene therapy approach being investigated is RNA interference, which aims to silence the mutant ACVR1 gene. Small molecule inhibitors targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3ß and modulation of the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway are also being explored as potential therapies for FOP. Stem cell-based approaches, such as mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, show potential in tissue regeneration and inhibiting abnormal bone formation in FOP. Immunotherapy and nanoparticle delivery systems provide alternative avenues for FOP treatment.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in a 3-year-old female patient.

BACKGROUND: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disease affecting connective tissue, primarily caused by de novo mutations of the ACVR1 gene. FOP is a disease with congenital malformations of the toes and heterotopic ossification in characteristic patterns that progresses with flare-ups and remissions. Cumulative damage results in disability and, eventually, death. This report aimed to describe a case of FOP to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of this rare condition. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 3-year-old female diagnosed with congenital hallux valgus, who initially presented with soft tissue tumors, predominantly in the neck and chest, with partial remission. Multiple diagnostic tests were performed, including biopsies and magnetic resonance imaging, with nonspecific results. We observed ossification of the biceps brachii muscle during evolution. The molecular genetic study found a heterozygous ACVR1 gene mutation that confirmed FOP. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of this rare disease by pediatricians is critical for an early diagnosis and for avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures that may promote disease progression. In case of clinical suspicion, performing an early molecular study is suggested to detect ACVR1 gene mutations. The treatment of FOP is symptomatic and focused on maintaining physical function and family support.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La fibrodisplasia osificante progresiva (FOP) es una enfermedad autosómica dominante rara que afecta el tejido conectivo, cuya causa principal son mutaciones de novo del gen ACVR1. Se trata de una enfermedad con malformaciones congénitas de los primeros ortejos y osificación heterotópica en patrones característicos que progresa en empujes y remisiones. El daño acumulativo provoca discapacidad y, eventualmente, la muerte. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir un caso de FOP para favorecer el diagnóstico precoz de esta enfermedad infrecuente. CASO CLÍNICO: Se describe el caso de una paciente de 3 años, portadora de hallux valgus congénito, que inicialmente presentó tumoraciones dolorosas de tejidos blandos, de predominio en cuello y tórax, con remisión parcial de las mismas. Se realizaron múltiples pruebas diagnósticas, incluyendo biopsias e imágenes de resonancia magnética con resultados inespecíficos. En la evolución se observó osificación de músculo bíceps braquial. El estudio genético molecular encontró una mutación del gen ACVR1 en heterocigosis que confirmó el diagnóstico de FOP. CONCLUSIONES: El conocimiento de esta enfermedad por los pediatras es clave para realizar un diagnóstico precoz y evitar procedimientos invasivos innecesarios que pueden promover la progresión de la enfermedad. Ante la sospecha clínica, se sugiere realizar tempranamente el estudio molecular para detectar mutaciones del gen ACVR1. El tratamiento de la FOP es sintomático, centrado en el mantenimiento de la función física y el apoyo familiar.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in a 3-year-old female patient / Fibrodisplasia osificante progresiva en una paciente de 3 años

Abstract Background: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disease affecting connective tissue, primarily caused by de novo mutations of the ACVR1 gene. FOP is a disease with congenital malformations of the toes and heterotopic ossification in characteristic patterns that progresses with flare-ups and remissions. Cumulative damage results in disability and, eventually, death. This report aimed to describe a case of FOP to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of this rare condition. Case report: We describe the case of a 3-year-old female diagnosed with congenital hallux valgus, who initially presented with soft tissue tumors, predominantly in the neck and chest, with partial remission. Multiple diagnostic tests were performed, including biopsies and magnetic resonance imaging, with nonspecific results. We observed ossification of the biceps brachii muscle during evolution. The molecular genetic study found a heterozygous ACVR1 gene mutation that confirmed FOP. Conclusions: Knowledge of this rare disease by pediatricians is critical for an early diagnosis and for avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures that may promote disease progression. In case of clinical suspicion, performing an early molecular study is suggested to detect ACVR1 gene mutations. The treatment of FOP is symptomatic and focused on maintaining physical function and family support.

Resumen Introducción: La fibrodisplasia osificante progresiva (FOP) es una enfermedad autosómica dominante rara que afecta el tejido conectivo, cuya causa principal son mutaciones de novo del gen ACVR1. Se trata de una enfermedad con malformaciones congénitas de los primeros ortejos y osificación heterotópica en patrones característicos que progresa en empujes y remisiones. El daño acumulativo provoca discapacidad y, eventualmente, la muerte. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir un caso de FOP para favorecer el diagnóstico precoz de esta enfermedad infrecuente. Caso clínico: Se describe el caso de una paciente de 3 años, portadora de hallux valgus congénito, que inicialmente presentó tumoraciones dolorosas de tejidos blandos, de predominio en cuello y tórax, con remisión parcial de las mismas. Se realizaron múltiples pruebas diagnósticas, incluyendo biopsias e imágenes de resonancia magnética con resultados inespecíficos. En la evolución se observó osificación de músculo bíceps braquial. El estudio genético molecular encontró una mutación del gen ACVR1 en heterocigosis que confirmó el diagnóstico de FOP. Conclusiones: El conocimiento de esta enfermedad por los pediatras es clave para realizar un diagnóstico precoz y evitar procedimientos invasivos innecesarios que pueden promover la progresión de la enfermedad. Ante la sospecha clínica, se sugiere realizar tempranamente el estudio molecular para detectar mutaciones del gen ACVR1. El tratamiento de la FOP es sintomático, centrado en el mantenimiento de la función física y el apoyo familiar.

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: A Case Series with Radiologic Findings.

Introduction: It is an autosomal dominant genetic disease presented with heterotopic ossification of connective tissues after birth and a defect of the big toes. One in ten million births is affected by it worldwide. As a result, diagnosis and management of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) can be delayed or misdiagnosed. Clinical assessment, radiographic examination, and genetic study of the Activin receptor Type 1A gene are among the diagnostic techniques used to identify this disease. Case Report: We are presenting three female cases having FOP in this article of different age groups. It presented with multiple non-tender lumps on patients' paravertebral region along with bilateral hallux valgus. The radiograph revealed ossifications of soft tissue involving spine and neck. The patient was given a conservative treatment approach and told what could be done to prevent flare-ups. Conclusion: Being a rare, progressive, and often misdiagnosed condition, early diagnosis is advocated. Long-term physiotherapy and muscle trauma prevention can delay it as much as possible to prevent future disabilities.

When Limb Surgery Has Become the Only Life-Saving Therapy in FOP: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare disease in which heterotopic ossification (HO) is formed in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Traumatic events, including surgery, are discouraged as this is known to trigger a flare-up with risk of subsequent HO. Anesthetic management for patients with FOP is challenging. Cervical spine fusion, ankylosis of the temporomandibular joints, thoracic insufficiency syndrome, restrictive chest wall disease, and sensitivity to oral trauma complicate airway management and anesthesia and pose life-threatening risks. We report a patient with FOP suffering from life-threatening antibiotic resistant bacterial infected ulcers of the right lower leg and foot. The anesthetic, surgical and postoperative challenges and considerations are discussed. In addition, the literature on limb surgeries of FOP patients is systemically reviewed. The 44 year-old female patient was scheduled for a through-knee amputation. Airway and pulmonary evaluation elicited severe abnormalities, rendering standard general anesthesia a rather complication-prone approach in this patient. Thus, regional anesthesia, supplemented with intravenous analgosedation and N2O-inhalation were performed in this case. The surgery itself was securely planned to avoid any unnecessary tissue damage. Postoperatively the patient was closely monitored for FOP activity by ultrasound and [18F]PET/CT-scan. One year after surgery, a non-significant amount of HO had formed at the operated site. The systematic review revealed seventeen articles in which thirty-two limb surgeries in FOP patients were described. HO reoccurrence was described in 90% of the cases. Clinical improvement due to improved mobility of the operated joint was noted in 16% of the cases. It should be noted, though, that follow-up time was limited and no or inadequate imaging modalities were used to follow-up in the majority of these cases. To conclude, if medically urgent, limb surgery in FOP is possible even when general anesthesia is not preferred. The procedure should be well-planned, alternative techniques or procedures should be tested prior to surgery and special attention should be paid to the correct positioning of the patient. According to the literature recurrent HO should be expected after surgery of a limb, even though it was limited in the case described.

Radiotherapy in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an autosomal dominant disease, characterized by the formation of heterotopic ossification (HO) in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Flare-ups, an inflammatory process that often precedes the formation of HO, can occur spontaneously, but trauma is also a common trigger. It is not known whether radiotherapy, especially in higher doses, might cause sufficient trauma or inflammation to trigger a flare-up and subsequent HO in FOP patients. We report the case of a patient undergoing radiotherapy for the treatment of a 1-cm-wide basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the lower lip. In addition, we present a systematic review of the available literature. Our patient received 54 Gy in 18 fractions with orthovoltage therapy, resulting in a clinical complete response of the tumor. Six months after treatment, there were no signs of HO either clinically or on [18F]NaF PET/CT. The systematic review identified 11 publications describing either radiation treatment in FOP or radiation therapy as a cause of HO in non-FOP patients. Six case reports described the use of radiation in FOP patients for various reasons, including one with a high-dose treatment of a lip BCC using superficial X-ray therapy. The remaining five studies described the use of low-dose radiotherapy to prevent or treat either an FOP flare-up or HO formation. None of these cases showed worsening of disease that could be attributed to the use of radiation therapy. Radiation induced HO in non-FOP patients was rare and occurred in five studies. The largest of these studies suggested that HO was induced after treatment with high doses, resulting in more widespread evidence of tissue damage, potentially being the end result of this damage. In conclusion, available reports suggest no contraindication to radiotherapy in FOP patients; although the number of cases was small, systematic toxicity reports often were not available, and none of the reports described high-dose, high-energy radiation treatment at locations such as muscle and joint regions.

The Diversity of the Clinical Phenotypes in Patients With Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva.

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation, phenotypic characterization and natural history of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) are diverse and the natural history of the disease is, to a certain extent, different from one patient to another. METHODS: In a series of 11 patients (eight girls and three boys, aged 0 - 16 years), variable clinical presentations were the landmarks of these patients. At birth, all of our patients manifested short great toes in a valgus position. Marfan syndrome was the suggested diagnosis in three children aged 3 - 8 years and in two pre-adult patients. Clinical symptoms were torticollis, painful spine, and painful and marked limitation of the pelvic movements. Monophalangia associated with Marfanoid habitus was also a prevailing clinical presentation. RESULTS: Our results were based upon the appearance of the earliest pathologic feature of FOP in correlation with the clinical presentation. In infants (0 - 1 year), three infants showed congenital hallux valgus and stiff spine. In the pediatric group (3 - 8 years), all children showed no mutation in the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene. Their prime presentation was a progressive torticollis with simultaneous development of erythematous subfascial nodules, most commonly located on the posterior neck and back. In pre-adult group (10 - 16 years), four patients presented with monophalangia associated with painful movements because of the progressive heterotopic ossification of the spine and the weight bearing zones and marked elevation of alkaline phosphatase. Genetic confirmation has been performed in six patients who manifested the classical mutation of the ACVR1 gene. The rest of the patients were assessed via clinical and radiographic phenotypes. CONCLUSION: The early recognition of FOP can be performed by noticing the short halluces and thumbs at early infancy and later on the high alkaline phosphatase activity in areas of heterotopic ossification. Misconception of FOP is of common practice and eventually unnecessary diagnostic biopsies might deteriorate the progression of the condition. The detection of ACVR1 gene mutation was a confirmatory procedure. Interestingly, the timing of the onset and the location of progressive heterotopic ossifications were extremely variable and confusing among our group of patients.

Clinical and Genetic Analysis of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes and disabling heterotopic ossification in specific anatomic locations with a world wide prevalence of 1 in 2 million population. Nearly 90% of patients with FOP are misdiagnosed and mismanaged. We present a case of a four-year-old boy brought by his parents with the complaints of stiffness of right shoulder, neck and multiple swellings over the upper back noted over the past 4 months. On examination bilateral symmetrical hallux valgus with microdactyly of great toes and multiple bony hard swellings on both the scapulae were noted. Skeletal survey revealed all the classical features of FOP. Mutation of the ACVR1gene on genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of FOP. Invasive surgical procedures including biopsy and manipulations for stiff joints were avoided as they strikingly end up in rapid progression of FOP. Congenital hallux valgus with short great toe in a child should be considered as an early diagnostic tool for FOP even before the onset of mass lesions. Genetic analysis for mutation of ACVR1gene is confirmatory. Prevention of injury, medical management of acute painful flare-ups and rehabilitation are the mainstay of treatment.

ACVR1 gene mutation in sporadic Korean patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP; OMIM 135100) is a rare but extremely disabling genetic disorder of the skeletal system, and is characterized by the progressive development of ectopic ossification of skeletal muscles and subsequent joint ankylosis. The c.617G>A; p.R206H point mutation in the activin A type I receptor (ACVR1) gene has been reported to be a causative mutation of FOP. In the present study, mutation analysis of the ACVR1 gene was performed in 12 patients diagnosed or suspected to have FOP. All patients tested had a de novo heterozygous point mutation of c.617G>A; p.R206H in ACVR1. Mutation analysis confirmed a diagnosis of FOP in patients with ambiguous features, and thus, could be used for diagnostic purposes. Early confirmation through mutation analysis would allow medical professionals to advise on the avoidance of provoking events to delay catastrophic flare-ups of ectopic ossifications.

ACVR1 Gene Mutation in Sporadic Korean Patients with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP; OMIM 135100) is a rare but extremely disabling genetic disorder of the skeletal system, and is characterized by the progressive development of ectopic ossification of skeletal muscles and subsequent joint ankylosis. The c.617G>A; p.R206H point mutation in the activin A type I receptor (ACVR1) gene has been reported to be a causative mutation of FOP. In the present study, mutation analysis of the ACVR1 gene was performed in 12 patients diagnosed or suspected to have FOP. All patients tested had a de novo heterozygous point mutation of c.617G>A; p.R206H in ACVR1. Mutation analysis confirmed a diagnosis of FOP in patients with ambiguous features, and thus, could be used for diagnostic purposes. Early confirmation through mutation analysis would allow medical professionals to advise on the avoidance of provoking events to delay catastrophic flare-ups of ectopic ossifications.

ACVR1 Gene Mutation in Sporadic Korean Patients with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP; OMIM 135100) is a rare but extremely disabling genetic disorder of the skeletal system, and is characterized by the progressive development of ectopic ossification of skeletal muscles and subsequent joint ankylosis. The c.617G>A; p.R206H point mutation in the activin A type I receptor (ACVR1) gene has been reported to be a causative mutation of FOP. In the present study, mutation analysis of the ACVR1 gene was performed in 12 patients diagnosed or suspected to have FOP. All patients tested had a de novo heterozygous point mutation of c.617G>A; p.R206H in ACVR1. Mutation analysis confirmed a diagnosis of FOP in patients with ambiguous features, and thus, could be used for diagnostic purposes. Early confirmation through mutation analysis would allow medical professionals to advise on the avoidance of provoking events to delay catastrophic flare-ups of ectopic ossifications.