Myositis ossificans progressiva

Myositis ossificans progressive is a rare disease of which a case in a ten-year-old boy is reported herein. A mass developed in the scapular area after administration at 18 months of age of a diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine, and additional masses appeared subsequently in the back and shoulders. Plain radiographs showed multiple foci of heterotopic ossification in the scapular areas and sacrospinalis muscles. This together with the presence of congenital anomalies of the feet established the diagnosis of myositis ossificans progressiva. The disease progressed by exacerbations and remissions, and after ten years the shoulders, elbows, one wrist, and the entire thoracolumbar spine were fused. The prognosis of this disease remains severe, and no effective treatments are available. Hopes for the future lie with gene therapy.