Lupus is hard to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are similar to other diseases.
To help distinguish Lupus from other conditions, physicians of the American Rheumatism Association have established a list of 11 abnormalities which, when combined, point to lupus. To make a diagnosis of Lupus the patient must have had at least FOUR of these 11 manifestations at any time since the onset of the disease:
- Malar rash: fixed red rash over the cheeks
- Discoid rash: red patches of skin associated with scaling and plugging of the hair follicles
- Photosensitivity: rash after exposure to sunlight
- Mucosal ulcers: small sores that occur in mucosal lining of mouth and nose
- Serositis: inflammation of the delicate tissues covering internal organs and abdominal pain
- Arthritis: very common in lupus, pain in the joints
- Renal disorders: usually detected by routine blood and urine analysis
- Neurological disorder: seizures or psychosis
- Haematological disorder: haemolytic anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
- Immunologic disorder: tests on LE cells, anti-DNA and anti-SM antibodies
- Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA blood test): when found in the blood and the patient is not taking drugs, it is known to cause a positive test for lupus in most cases, but is not necessarily conclusive
This list was developed in 1982. More recently an alternative list was created from the perspective that Lupus is primarily a neurological disease. This list is very different and is available through a link at the source cited below.
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