investigation
Last reviewed 05/2021
The investigation of systemic sclerosis consists of:
- immunological tests:
- anti-nuclear antibodies are usually positive
- anti-Scl-70, anti-centromere & anti-nucleolus may be positive
- anti-centromere antibody is a good predictor for limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (formerly known as CREST) (sens 60%, spec 90%)
- Scl-70 antibody is a good predictor of diffuse disease (sens 38% spec 100%)
- cold agglutinins may cause an acquired haemolytic anaemia
- haematological:
- a normochromic normocytic anaemia is common
- the ESR may be elevated
- radiological:
- plain radiographs of the hands:
- may show calcium in the skin of the fingers
- severe cases show resorption of distal phalanges
- barium swallow may detect oesophageal involvement
Reference:
- C M Black; Systemic sclerosis; OTM 3rd Ed 3 p3027-35