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Diagnosis of Scleroderma


The diagnosis of scleroderma is done by observing and classifying the symptoms. Raynaud's phenomenon is a clear indication of underlying scleroderma.

There are also some tests for scleroderma. One test looks for antibodies for the limited systemic form or for the diffused systemic form. As scleroderma affects other organ systems just as radically, studying these effects can also tell you whether you have scleroderma.

For instance if the heart has untreated high blood pressure or esophagus damage, lung damage, carpal tunnel system, lungs not working at optimum capacity – a lot of these can be eventually diagnosed to scleroderma.

Some of the blood tests that can be done include

  • Antinuclear antibody test
  • ESR rate
  • Rheumatoid factor
  • Antibody testing
Other tests include:

  • Chest x-ray
  • CT scan of the lungs
  • Urinalysis
  • Echocardiogram
  • Tests to check the GI tract
  • Skin biopsy

Signs & Symptoms
Prognosis
Frequently asked questions
References
  1. Kemin Song, Shaowen Peng, Zheng Sun, Haitao Li, Rongya Yang, Curcumin suppresses TGF-β signaling by inhibition of TGIF degradation in scleroderma fibroblasts, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Volume 411, Issue 4, 12 August 2011, Pages 821-825, ISSN 0006-291X, 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.07.044.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X11012630)