系统性硬化诊断测试

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

Doctor and patient looking at lung x-ray

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:

Dr Pauling smiling at camera with arms crossed and SRUK flag behind play video

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