Diagnosis of Linear Scleroderma

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Overview
Juvenile Scleroderma Experts
Blood Tests
Computerized Skin Score (CSS)

Overview

Diagnosis of Linear Scleroderma is usually done by clinical examination. It is often confirmed by skin biopsy. Skin biopsies are usually a very tiny sample of tissue and the procedure is often very quick, easy and with minimal discomfort. Ultrasound has also been found to be useful for the diagnosis of Localized Scleroderma (such as linear).

Juvenile Scleroderma Experts

Juvenile Scleroderma Experts. It is very important to consult a scleroderma expert for the proper diagnosis and treatment of scleroderma, because it is a rare disease. Treatments are available for most forms of localized scleroderma, but they are better at preventing progression than healing any damage that has already occurred. ISN. (Also see: Linear Scleroderma Treatmentsand Scleroderma Experts)

Blood Tests

Serum Autoantibodies and their Clinical Associations in Patients with Childhood and Adult Onset Linear Scleroderma. Childhood onset Linear Scleroderma is similar to adult onset disease in regard to the frequency of serum autoantibodies. Thaschawee Arkachaisri. 289/289 ACR 2006. (Also see: Antibodies)

Serum Autoantibodies and their Clinical Associations in Patients with Childhood and Adult Onset Linear Scleroderma (LScl). Childhood onset LScl is similar to adult onset disease in regard to the frequency of serum aAbs. Over two thirds of LScl patients had ANA. Thaschawee Arkachaisri. 289/289 ACR 2006. (Also see: Antibodies)

Antihistone antibodies (AHAs) in linear scleroderma variants. AHAs, which traditionally are markers for drug-induced lupus, may also be linked to linear scleroderma. The AHA titers may be related to the extent of involvement as well as disease activity. PubMed. Int J Dermatol. 2006 Nov;45(11):1296-9. (Also see: Antibodies)

Rheumatoid factor isotypes in localized scleroderma. The presence of RF isotypes is one of the immunological abnormalities of localized scleroderma. IgM RF seemed to be most useful of these three factors to determine the severity of disease. PubMed. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2005 Jul;30(4):405-8.

Computerized Skin Score (CSS)

A new computerized method for the assessment of skin lesions in localized scleroderma (LS). CSS (computerized skin score) has shown to be a reliable method to assess the skin lesions in patients with LS. It is reproducible, easy to use and, with the support of the CSS software, applicable worldwide. PubMed. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2007 Jan 30. (Also see: Localized Scleroderma: Morphea)

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography (USG) is a Sensitive Tool for Monitoring Localized Scleroderma (LS). Changes seen on USG correlated with assessed clinical changes, both improvement and worsening. Using USG to monitor patients with LS may, therefore, be useful for guiding treatment strategies and as a tool in controlled clinical trials. Suzanne C. Li. 1699/370 ACR 2006.

Severity Index for Localized Scleroderma

Localized Scleroderma (LS) Severity Index and Global Assessments: A Pilot Study of Outcome Instruments. LS clinical trials are impeded by the lack of reliable and reproducible outcome measures. We have developed the LS Severity Index (LoSSI) to correct this deficiency. Journal of Rheumatology. Volume 35: No. 3 March 2008.

Also See

Causes of Scleroderma. ISN.

Juvenile Scleroderma. ISN.

Scleroderma Photos. Pictures of scleroderma symptoms, including photos of Linear Scleroderma.

Submit your Linear Scleroderma story in any language. ISN.