Collagen Diseases in Children; Problem of Diagnosis

Abstract

The majority of cases of collagen disorders can be diagnosed by careful evaluation of the entire clinical picture, including properly selected laboratory tests. However, on occasion, new developments in the course of the patient's illness may make it necessary to alter the original clinical diagnosis. Rarely, multiple diagnoses must be made when unmistakable features of more than one collagen disease appear in the same individual.

Although rheumatic fever is more common in childhood, the other disorders in this group are not so rare that they may be disregarded in differential diagnosis. Before a final diagnosis of rheumatic fever is made in any case, proper consideration should be given to the possibility that the patient's symptomatology is caused by one of the other collagen disorders.