Work

Common Non-Rheumatic Medical Conditions Mimicking Fibromyalgia: A Simple Framework for Differential Diagnosis

Year: 2024

Type: review

Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic non-inflammatory disorder mainly characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a constellation of other symptoms. For this reason, delineating a clear distinction between pure FM and FM-like picture attributable to other common diseases can be extremely challenging. Physicians must identify the most significant confounders in individual patients and implement an appropriate diagnostic workflow, carefully choosing a minimal (but sufficient) set of tests to be used for identifying the most plausible diseases in the specific case. This article discusses prevalent non-rheumatological conditions commonly observed in the general population that can manifest with clinical features similar to primary FM. Given their frequent inclusion in the differential diagnosis of FM patients, the focus will be on elucidating the distinctive clinical characteristics of each condition. Additionally, the most cost-effective and efficient diagnostic methodologies for accurately discerning these conditions will be examined.

Source: Diagnostics

DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14161758

Authors: Andrea D’Amuri, Salvatore Greco, Mauro Pagani, Barbara Presciuttini, Jacopo Ciaffi, Francesco Ursini

Institutions: Azienda Ospedaliera Carlo Poma, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, University of Bologna

Language: English

Topic: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955