Newly diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis
Answers to questions you might be asking when you have been newly diagnosed
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:
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