The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Dermatomyositis includes:
The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis and misdiagnosis issues for Dermatomyositis:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about diagnostis of Dermatomyositis.
Typically, the patient has a history of atopy, such as asthma, hay fever, or urticaria; his family may have a similar history. Laboratory tests reveal eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels. A skin biopsy may be performed, but it isn’t always required to make the diagnosis.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Other tests differentiate polymyositis from diseases that cause similar muscular or cutaneous symptoms, such as muscular dystrophy, advanced trichinosis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and SLE.
Typical laboratory results in polymyositis include elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, elevated white blood cell count, and elevated muscle enzyme levels (creatine kinase, aldolase, and serum aspartate aminotransferase) not attributable to hemolysis of red blood cells or hepatic or other diseases. Other laboratory results include increased urine creatine level (more than 150 mg/24 hours), decreased creatinine level, and positive antinuclear antibodies. Electromyography shows polyphasic short-duration potentials, fibrillation (positive spike waves), and bizarre high-frequency repetitive changes.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles: Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
» Next page: Signs of Dermatomyositis
Rate This Website
Medical Tools & Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
Every parent knows at least one thing about keeping children clean: it's not easy. But cleanliness is about more getting rid of smudges and...
Eczema may not be a life-threatening condition, but it is life altering. Learn how people can manage eczema by avoiding triggers and treating...
Alleviating the symptoms of eczema is important for people who suffer with this skin condition. Steroid therapies have been a great help, but their...
There are a variety of different treatments that can help control eczema. The therapies can come as creams, ointments or even as pills. However, not...