Analysis of clinical manifestations and treatment in 26 children with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in China

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.

Toll-like Receptor Signaling Inhibitory Peptide Improves Inflammation in Animal Model and Human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a major role in the innate immune system. Several studies have shown the regulatory effects of TLR-mediated pathways on immune and inflammatory diseases. Dysregulated functions of TLRs within the endosomal compartment, including TLR7/9 trafficking, may cause systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). TLR signaling pathways are fine-tuned by Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adapters, leading to interferon (IFN)-α production. This study describes a TLR inhibitor peptide 1 (TIP1) that primarily suppresses the downstream signaling mediated by TIR domain-containing adapters in an animal model of lupus and patients with SLE. The expression of most downstream proteins of the TLR7/9/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/IFN regulatory factor 7 signaling was downregulated in major tissues such as the kidney, spleen, and lymph nodes of treated mice. Furthermore, the pathological analysis of the kidney tissue confirmed that TIP1 could improve inflammation in MRL/lpr mice. TIP1 treatment downregulated many downstream proteins associated with TLR signaling, such as MyD88, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, and IFN-α, in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with SLE. In conclusion, our data suggest that TIP1 can serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of SLE.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in a young adult with genetic mutation: Case report

RATIONALE

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital skeletal deformities and soft tissue masses that progress into heterotopic ossification. Deformities of the great toes are distinctive and heterotrophic ossification usually begins in the first decade of the patient's life. Any invasive procedure could potentially trigger a flare and heterotopic calcification. The diagnosis is difficult and there is no effective treatment for FOP and the approximate life expectancy is 4 decades.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 22-year-old male patient who had suffered from pain and movement limitations for 14 years. At the early stage of disease, the child underwent an operation on both thighs with a diagnosis of myophagism. He had serious stiffness and multiple bony masses with the characteristic bilateral hallux valgus deformity and microdactyly.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed with FOP by the help of characteristic great toe malformations and widespread heterotopic ossification throughout the body. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing demonstrated that the patient had a de novo heterozygous mutation (c.617G>A; p.R206H) in activin A receptor/activin-like kinase 2.

INTERVENTIONS

We administered a co-therapy of glucocorticoids, NSAIDs to relieve pain, and montelukast for 2 months. Bisphosphonate (5 mg, intravenous) was used once.

OUTCOMES

At the follow-up 12 months later, the patient still felt low back pain sometimes and need take NSAIDs three times a week.

LESSONS

Clinicians and radiologists should realize the characteristic features of FOP and early diagnosis can prevent additional invasive harm to the patient.

Heterotopic ossification on the volar surface of the distal radius in a child with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: challenges in surgical excision of a rare condition

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is one of the genetic and developmental forms of heterotopic ossification. We report a case of FOP on the volar surface of the distal radius, located close to the median nerve and radial artery with neurologic symptoms secondary to median nerve entrapment. The patient underwent surgical excision of the heterotopic lesion followed by radiation therapy. He had no signs of recurrence with more than 1 year of follow-up. Careful microsurgical dissection of the heterotopic mass must be performed to prevent the formation of new painful lesions and iatrogenic neurovascular injury. In this syndrome, the possibility of nerve entrapment due to the heterotopic lesion should be considered as the cause of neuropathic pain. Early genetic testing for confirmation of the suspected diagnosis can avoid having to do an unnecessary biopsy.