AB1029 FIBRODYSPLASIA OSSIFICANS PROGRESSIVA: A CHALLENGE TO DIAGNOSE AND TO TREAT

Abstract

Background Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) caused by mutations in the ACVR1 gene, which codes for activin receptor IA, a type I receptor of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. FOP is a very rare disease which usually begins in the first decade of life and characterized by congenital bilateral hallux valgus in combination with progressive heterotopic ossification in specific anatomical patterns preceded by inflammatory responses and soft tissue swelling. Objectives Our objective is to expand the differential diagnosis of recurrent swelling without trauma by presenting a case of Infant suffering from recurrent swellings and diagnosed to have FOP. Methods We used standard laboratory assessment and ultrasound to exclude other diseases. To confirm the diagnosis we used next generation sequencing to identify ACVR1 variants. Results A full-term male infant from non-consanguine parents delivered spontaneously after uncomplicated pregnancy. Initially bilateral hallux valgus, as well as limited motility in the metacarpophalangeal joint of D1 of the right hand was noted. At the age of 1.5 months, a severe swelling appeared on the left head without trauma. The further investigation showed no signs of retinal hemorrhage or intracranial injury. The swelling resolved spontaneously, but he readmitted to the hospital due to swellings of different localization in the head area. At the beginning a child abuse had been discussed with the family, although there was no concrete evidence. At the age of 7 months he presented to our center with renewed swelling in the area of the forehead. Due to the characteristic symptom constellation, a genetic analysis was performed on ACVR1, which confirmed a de novo mutation c.617G> A, p.R206H. We started a combined therapy with Montelukast 4 mg oral daily for specific inhibition of mast cell activation, Neridronat (Bisphosphonate) 2 mg/kg as i.v. every 3 months for the modification of secondary ossification. As well as Prednisolone for 3 days 20 mg/kg i.v. in the flare up. At the beginning there were a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of new swellings, however after 9 Months he had frequent flare up with limitation of head movement. At that point we decided to start an off-label therapy with Imatinib. He responded well to the current therapy and the medication is well tolerated. Conclusion FOP is a very rare and important differential diagnosis of child abuse. With the characteristic symptom of congenital bilateral hallux valgus and unclear swellings, the diagnosis can be genetically secured. An early specific treatment concept for the avoidance of trauma as well as drug-based anti-inflammatory therapy are crucial for the clinical course and subsequent impairment of the patient. New targeted treatment approaches offer a promising option for the long-term improvement of disease progression and associated quality of life like Imatinib, which is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in adult and children. A recent article showed that it decreased the flare up in 6 out of 7 patients with FOP.