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Diagnosis of Scleroderma
Other Diagnostic Studies for Scleroderma
Pulmonary (lung) studies
- chest x-ray
- pulmonary function tests
- computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest
Cardiac (heart) studies
- thallium scintigraphy
- single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
Gastrointestinal tract studies
- barium esophagram
- esophagoscopy
- esophageal manometry
Thermographic Studies - there are indications that in children diagnosed with localized scleroderma, the temperature of the skin lesion is warmer than that of the surrounding skin which may be a sign of active disease. Recent studies confirm a high degree of correlation. Research in the use of this diagnostic tool is ongoing.
Once the presence of scleroderma has been definitely established, it is important to determine:
- Type of scleroderma
- Extent of organ involvement
- Degree of tissue damage
