Abstract
Conditions assessed in the differential diagnosis of systemic sclerosis or scleroderma (SSc) are associated with some degree of skin fibrosis. These diseases are sometimes referred to as scleroderma-like syndromes and they are diverse and completely different etiology and often unclear pathogenesis.
The different and relatively various clinical characteristics of each of these diseases may help to differentiate these conditions from systemic sclerosis. Histopathological examination with clinical-pathological correlation is, in some cases, necessary to make a definitive diagnosis and to select an appropriate therapeutic approach.
This summary provides a brief overview of diseases that, because of their skin involvement, are the most common parts of the differential diagnosis of SSc. The differential diagnosis includes generalized morphea (localized scleroderma), eosinophilic fasciitis, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, stiff skin syndrome, scleromyxedema, scleredema adultorum, diabetic cheiroarthropathy and systemic amyloidosis.
The interdisciplinary approach, and the cooperation of rheumatology and dermatology, is an irreplaceable differential diagnostic procedure for the correct diagnosis of these diseases.