Cited by 153Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ResearchPsychosomatic Disorders and Their TreatmentsMyofascial pain diagnosis and treatment

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 16 of the 16 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Inaccuracy in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome: analysis of referrals

Fitzcharles, M.-A.·2003·Rheumatology

DOI 10.1093/rheumatology/keg075

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Objective To examine prospectively the accuracy of an initial diagnosis for fibromyalgia (FM). Methods All patients newly referred for rheumatology consultation in a 6-month period were evaluated prospectively for either a preceding, current or subsequent diagnosis of FM. Clinical characteristics, previous and subsequent management and health care utilization were assessed. The final diagnosis at 6 months was verified and accuracy regarding the diagnosis of FM was assessed. Results Seventy six (12%) of all new patients were either referred with a question of FM or finally diagnosed with FM. At the final evaluation the accuracy of the diagnosis regarding FM by either the referring physician or by the rheumatologist at the time of the initial visit was correct in 34% of patients. The FM group in comparison with those with some other rheumatological diagnosis had more tender points (12.5 vs 4) and were more fatigued. In contrast, prolonged early morning stiffness and limitation of lumbar spinal mobility in more than one plane was more common in the non-FM group. Conclusion There is a disturbing inaccuracy, mostly observed to be overdiagnosis, in the diagnosis of FM by referring physicians. This finding may help explain the current high reported rates of FM and caution physicians to consider other diagnostic possibilities when addressing diffuse musculoskeletal pain.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1093/rheumatology/keg075

Cites

16 of 16 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Recomputing p-values needs the paper’s full text.

Claims the paper makes

This paper’s full text isn’t openly available, so its claims and self-check weren’t run. The registry and citation checks still apply.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

The american college of rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia
Wolfe, F., Smythe, H. A., Yunus, M. B., Bennett, R. M., Bombardier, C., Goldenberg, D. L., Tugwell, P., Campbell, S. M., Abeles, M., Clark, P., et al. (1990) · Arthritis & Rheumatism · doi:10.1002/art.1780330203 · Cited by 9,563
The prevalence and characteristics of fibromyalgia in the general population
Wolfe, F., Ross, K., Anderson, J., Russell, I. J., & Hebert, L. E. (1995) · Arthritis & Rheumatism · doi:10.1002/art.1780380104 · Cited by 2,425
Clinical History as a Screening Test for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Călin, A. (1977) · JAMA · doi:10.1001/jama.1977.03270510035017 · Cited by 611
A prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study of service utilization and costs in fibromyalgia
Wolfe, F., Anderson, J., Harkness, D., Bennett, R. M., Caro, X. J., Goldenberg, D. L., Russell, I. J., & Yunus, M. B. (1997) · Arthritis & Rheumatism · doi:10.1002/art.1780400904 · Cited by 377
Clinical features and prognosis of patients with possible ankylosing spondylitis. Results of a 10-year followup.
Mau, W., Zeidler, H., Mau, R., Majewski, A., Freyschmidt, J., Stangel, W., & Deicher, H. (1988) · PubMed · Cited by 352
Clinical characteristics of fibrositis
Campbell, S. M., Clark, S., Tindall, E. A., Forehand, M. E., & Bennett, R. M. (1983) · Arthritis & Rheumatism · doi:10.1002/art.1780260701 · Cited by 327
Untitled work
(1993) · PubMed · Cited by 324
Altered heat pain thresholds and cerebral event-related potentials following painful CO2 laser stimulation in subjects with fibromyalgia syndrome
Gibson, S. J., Littlejohn, G. O., Gorman, M. M., Helme, R. D., & Granges, G. (1994) · Pain · doi:10.1016/0304-3959(94)90198-8 · Cited by 306
The neuroscience and endocrinology of fibromyalgia
Pillemer, S. R., Bradley, L. A., Crofford, L. J., Moldofsky, H., & Chrousos, G. P. (1997) · Arthritis & Rheumatism · doi:10.1002/art.1780401103 · Cited by 230
The natural history of chronic pain in the community: a better prognosis than in the clinic?
Macfarlane, G. J., Thomas, E., Papageorgiou, A. C., Schollum, J. B. W., Croft, P. R., & Silman, A. J. (1996) · PubMed · Cited by 123

Show all 16 references

Sorted by citations

Items 101–153 of 153

Under-recognition of medically unexplained symptom conditions among US Veterans with Gulf War Illness
Kane, N. S., Anastasides, N., Litke, D. R., Helmer, D. A., Hunt, S. C., Quigley, K. S., Pigeon, W. R., & McAndrew, L. M. (2021) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0259341 · Cited by 6
Diagnostic Criteria and Differential Diagnosis of the Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Bennett, R. M. (2004) · Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain · doi:10.1300/j094v12n03_09 · Cited by 6
Newer Diagnostic Criteria of Fibromyalgia and Its Clinical Implications
Lee, S. (2011) · Journal of Rheumatic Diseases · doi:10.4078/jrd.2011.18.3.153 · Cited by 5
Fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s & depression: linked?
Loganathan, M. A., Ladani, A. P., & Lippmann, S. (2020) · Postgraduate Medicine · doi:10.1080/00325481.2020.1758426 · Cited by 6
Predicting Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis With the Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire: Does the Severity of Fibromyalgia Symptoms Matter?
Gorzewski, A. M., Heisler, A. C., Neogi, T., Muhammad, L. N., Song, J., Dunlop, D. D., Bingham, C. O., Bolster, M. B., Clauw, D. J., Marder, W., et al. (2022) · The Journal of Rheumatology · doi:10.3899/jrheum.220507 · Cited by 5
Do new diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia provide treatment opportunity to those previously untreated?
Öncü, J., İlişer, R., & Kuran, B. (2013) · Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation · doi:10.3233/bmr-130403 · Cited by 5
Old and New Criteria for the Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia: Comparison and Evaluation
Türk, A. Ç. (2019) · Ankara Medical Journal · doi:10.17098/amj.542154 · Cited by 5
The Relationship Between the Tender Point Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography Velocities and the Symptoms and Quality of Life in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Genç, A., Kuş, U., Ağuş, A., Kıymaz, H. M., Bozdağ, O., Aytür, Y. K., & Kutlay, Ş. (2019) · Journal of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine · doi:10.4274/atfm.galenos.2019.57070 · Cited by 3
Consistency between the 2016 ACR criteria and a previous diagnosis or hypothesis of fibromyalgia in a specialised referral clinic
Cassisi, G., & Sarzi‐Puttini, P. (2022) · Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology · doi:10.55563/clinexprheumatol/mopepq · Cited by 4
The prevalence of spondyloarthropathy in fibromyalgia patients
Kaşkari, D., Yücel, E., & Ağıldere, A. M. (2016) · Modern Rheumatology · doi:10.1080/14397595.2016.1265694 · Cited by 3
Hohe Inanspruchnahme des Gesundheitswesens durch Fibromyalgiepatienten
Horndasch, S. (2009) · Der Schmerz · doi:10.1007/s00482-008-0770-5 · Cited by 3
Experiences of women living with fibromyalgia: an exploratory study of their information needs and preferences
Daraz, L., MacDermid, J. C., Shaw, L. E., Wilkins, S., & Gibson, J. (2011) · Rheumatology Reports · doi:10.4081/rr.2011.e15 · Cited by 3
Fibromyalgia: The diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment
Buskila, D. (2009) · European Journal of Pain Supplements · doi:10.1016/j.eujps.2009.07.007 · Cited by 3
Ten Year Results of a Fibromyalgia Out-Patient Clinic: Is There a Happy Ending?
Yanık, B., Öztuna, D., Sarp, Ü., Aytür, Y. K., & Ergin, S. (2011) · Archives of Rheumatology · doi:10.5606/tjr.2011.004 · Cited by 3
Frecuencia de la fibromialgia primaria, secundaria y patologías asociadas, en el Servicio de Medicina de Rehabilitación del Hospital Regional 1° de Octubre del ISSSTE
Gómez, I. J. Q., Ortiz, Á. Ó. S., & Barrientos, J. V. R. (2009) · Revista Mexicana de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación · Cited by 2
FIBROMYALGIA AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS, A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY USING THE 2016 ACR FIBROMYALGIA CRITERIA
Alnaimat, F., Abusheikha, M., Aldherasi, S., Al-Momani, M., & AlRyalat, S. A. (2024) · Central Asian Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ethics · doi:10.47316/cajmhe.2023.4.4.05 · Cited by 3
Fibromyalgie : critères de diagnostic et de suivi
Houvenagel, É., & Ducoulombier, V. (2010) · Revue du Rhumatisme Monographies · doi:10.1016/j.monrhu.2010.01.004 · Cited by 3
Qualidade de vida em mulheres com fibromialgia submetidas à laserterapia de baixa intensidade
Ruaro, J. A., Ruaro, M. B., Fréz, A. R., Daniel, C. R., & Nicolau, R. A. (2014) · Revista Brasileira de Qualidade de Vida · doi:10.3895/s2175-08582014000100006 · Cited by 2
Case 32-2017
Palamara, K., Nagarur, A., Fintelmann, F. J., Kohler, M. J., & Cortazar, F. B. (2017) · New England Journal of Medicine · doi:10.1056/nejmcpc1703513 · Cited by 2
Defining and measuring objective and subjective spinal stiffness: a scoping review
Moses, J., Hach, S., Mason, J., & Treacher, A. (2022) · Disability and Rehabilitation · doi:10.1080/09638288.2022.2152878 · Cited by 1
Knowledge, perception and attitude toward fibromyalgia among physical therapists in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study
Almulla, M. A., Farhani, A. M., Aboelnasr, E. A., & Hegazy, F. A. (2026) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0341454 · Cited by 1
Use of Japanese Version of the FiRST (Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool) in Clinical Pain Practice : Its Strengths and Limitations
荻野, 祐. (2013) · THE JOURNAL OF JAPAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL ANESTHESIA · doi:10.2199/jjsca.33.775 · Cited by 1
Modifications of the American College of Rheumatology 2010 Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Measurement of Symptom Severity as a Screening Tool for its Diagnosis [ACR 2010 FMS-STD]: Lessons Learned from the Process of Translation and Validation into a Thai Version
Prateepavanich, P., Arromdee, E., Chaudakshetrin, P., Laurujisawat, P., Poungvarin, N., Leartsakulpanitch, J., & Petcharapiruch, S. (2014) · Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain · doi:10.3109/10582452.2014.883014 · Cited by 2
Assessment of quality of rheumatology care in a rural area of West Bengal, India
Santra, G. (2015) · Indian Journal of Pain · doi:10.4103/0970-5333.159784 · Cited by 1
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
Henriquez, O. H., & Peck, D. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-15820-4_2 · Cited by 1
Fibromyalgia syndrome in chronic hemodialysis patients is associated with depression, hypoalbuminemia and inflammation
Demirci, B. G., Tutal, E., Erkmen, M., Yücel, E. E., & Sezer, S. (2018) · The European Research Journal · doi:10.18621/eurj.423605 · Cited by 1
A 35-Year-Old Woman with Whole Body Pain: Fibromyalgia
Kohan, L. R., & Zhu, X. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-46675-6_41 · Cited by 1
Evaluation of health care innovations in fibromyalgia
Kroese, M. (2012) · doi:10.26481/dis.20121101mk · Cited by 1
Afecciones reumatológicas de partes blandas
Duró, J. C. (2010) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-84-8086-645-3.50041-x
Il dolore nella fibromialgia come modello biopsicosociale di dolore cronico
Italian Fibromyalgia Network, Casale, R., & Puttini, P. C. S. (2012) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-88-470-2080-1_11
Differential Diagnosis of Vasovagal Syncope: Fibromyalgia
Sarzi‐Puttini, P., Talotta, R., Batticciotto, A., & Atzeni, F. (2014) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-09102-0_17
CHRONIC OPIOID USE IN FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME: CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES
Painter, J. T. (2012) · UKnowledge (University of Kentucky)
Psychosomatische und kinderpsychiatrische Aspekte bei Fibromyalgie und Schmerzamplifikationssyndrom im Kindes- und Jugendalter - Evaluation einer Stichprobe von 16 Patienten kinderrheumatologischer Spezialambulanzen
Brockmann, D. P. (2008)
THE IMPACT OF FIBROMYALGIA ON RESOURCE USE IN THE UK PRIMARY CARE SETTING
Le, T. K. (2008) · doi:10.7912/c2/1382
Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain Syndrome: An Alternative Medicine Perspective
Ko, G. D., Whitmore, S., Gottfried, B., Hum, A., Rahman, M. S., Traitses, G., Loong, S., Steward, K., Berbrayer, D., & Jokic, M. (2005) · Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine · doi:10.1615/critrevphysrehabilmed.v17.i1.10
Tratamiento cognitivo-conductual protocolizado y en grupo, para la fibromialgia : aplicación en contexto hospitalario
Pardo, J. O. (2013)
Clinical Characteristics of Chronic Headache Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Hospital-based Study
Im, H. J., Kim, H. J., Park, S., Song, S.-H., Kim, H. Y., Kim, D. W., & Oh, J. (2013) · Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
Clinical Brief: Challenges with the Differential Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
Schneider, M. (2011)
Management of Fibromyalgia and Unexplained Generalized Pain Syndromes
Crofford, L. J. (2009) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-9993-2.00028-x
Training Manual for Providers of Psychoeducational Services to FMS Patients
Vasquez, & George, E. (2012) · The Scholars Repository - LLU (Loma Linda University)
Criterios preliminares de diagnóstico del Colegio Americano de Reumatología para la Fibromialgia y para la medición de la gravedad de sus síntomas.
Clauw, D. J., Goldenberg, D. L., RUSSELL, A. S., & Russell, I. J. (2010)
The referral of patients with fibromyalgia to a rheumatological specialist care unit. Is it necessary?
Provan, S. A., Berg, I. J., Haugmark, T., & Zangi, H. A. (2021) · Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology · doi:10.55563/clinexprheumatol/cg42qi
Inflammatory arthritis and arthropathy
Chira, P., & Schanberg, L. E. (2013) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/med/9780199642656.003.0022
Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Fibromyalgia at the Kinshasa University Hospital : a Series of Clinical CasesPreprint
Mavinga, A. N., Mbuyi, J. M. W., Matanda, D. T., Mulumba, C. B., Nkodila, A. N., Lebughe, P. L., Mbuyi, J.-M. M., & Malemba, J. J. (2022) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-2344044/v1
A Descriptive Study of Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Low Disease Activity Rheumatoid Arthritis
Muhammad, K., Ullah, U., & Shaheen, S. (2023) · Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences · doi:10.53350/pjmhs2023172437
How to Differentiate Chronic Widespread Pain in Order to Reduce Misdiagnosis of Fibromyalgia
Geslaghi, K., & Krout, B. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-28296-6_66
Fibromyalgie - wenn der ganze Körper schmerzt
Voulgari, M. L., & Kellner, H. L. (2023) · MMW - Fortschritte der Medizin · doi:10.1007/s15006-023-2856-5
Observational study of the effects of an osteopathic treatment for patients with fibromyalgia
Laroche, F., Bellan, E., Doléac, M., Meslé, R., Marty, M., & Rostaing, S. (2023) · Russian Osteopathic Journal · doi:10.32885/2220-0975-2023-3-124-138
Мобильная клиника: роль выездных бригад врачей-специалистов в оказании комплексной медицинской помощи населению, проживающему в сельской местности
Kucher, G. Y., Zinyukov, V. V., Теrluк, О. G., Маksimеts, А. V., & Zalessky, V. M. (2012) · Likarska sprava · doi:10.31640/ls-2012-(1-2)-18
Fibromyalgia: Clinical Presentation, Pathophysiology and Diagnosis
Hamdan, A., Sataloff, R. T., & Hawkshaw, M. J. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-97751-0_4
Proportion of Myofascial Pain Syndrome Among Patients with Diagnosed or Suspected Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Hadano, T., Sugiyama, Y., & Yoshida, H. (2026) · Journal of Pain Research · doi:10.2147/jpr.s604512
Utilizing Clinical Treatments with a Limited Evidence Base
Hsu, E., & Nedeljković, S. S. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-15820-4_9
LIVING WITH FIBROMYALGIA (FM): THE SALIENCE OF CLINICAL SUBGROUPS
Breland, H. L. (2006) · D-Scholarship@Pitt (University of Pittsburgh)

Authors: Fitzcharles, M.-A.
Affiliations: Montreal General Hospital (CA)
Corresponding author: Fitzcharles, M.-A.
Venue: Rheumatology
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published: 2003-02-01
Volume: 42
Issue: 2
Pages: 263-267
ISSN: 0263-7103 (ISSN-L)
1460-2172
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keg075
OpenAlex: W2013813107
Cited by: 153
References: 16
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 14
FWCI: 2.31
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: British journal of rheumatology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research
Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
Health Sciences › Health Professions › Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation › Myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment
Keywords: fibromyalgia, diagnostic accuracy, overdiagnosis, rheumatology referral, tender points, fatigue, morning stiffness, health care utilization
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Clinical Competence, Diagnosis, Differential, Female, Fibromyalgia, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Pain Measurement, Physical Examination, Prospective Studies, Quebec, Referral and Consultation, Rheumatic Diseases, Syndrome

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Inaccuracy in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome: analysis of referrals

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks