Systemic sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose as it can develop gradually and can take different forms.

There is no single test or feature which gives a yes/no answer. Instead, the diagnosis is made after looking at the whole person, taking into account their symptoms, physical examination and blood tests. This may involve seeing a specialist – usually a rheumatologist, who is a doctor specialising in joint and connective tissue diseases.

These tests or indicators can include: 

  • ANA (antinuclear antibody) test 
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon  
  • Nailfold Capillaroscopy  
  • Skin biopsy 
  • Modified Rodnan Skin Score 
  • Blood pressure tests 
  • Other blood tests 
  • Gag reflux problems 
  • Biomarkers 
  • X-rays 
  • CT scans 
  • Organ specific tests: including ECG heart test, endoscopy, echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests 

Below Dr John Pauling explains various tests we use to diagnose systemic sclerosis:

Find out more about systemic sclerosis

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Newly diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis

Answers to questions you might be asking when you have been newly diagnosed
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Systemic Sclerosis treatments

We don’t have a cure yet for scleroderma. But treatment aims to manage your symptoms, and to limit damage to your tissues and organs.
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FAQs about Scleroderma

Everyone has questions about scleroderma, and here we have compiled some of the most common questions we are asked about scleroderma.