Lupus Diagnosis

Common signs and symptoms of systemic lupus er...Image via Wikipedia
Some physicians make a diagnosis on the basis of the 11 ACR classification criteria (see below). The criteria, however, were established mainly for use in scientific research (i.e., inclusion in randomized controlled trials), and patients may have lupus but never meet the full criteria. Click for Table 1982 Revised ARA Criteria for Classification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

ACR classification criteria


  1. Serositis: Pleuritis (inflammation of the membrane around the lungs) or pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart);
  2. Oral ulcers includes oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers.
  3. Arthritis: nonerosive arthritis of two or more peripheral joints, with tenderness, swelling, or effusion;
  4. Photosensitivity (exposure to ultraviolet light causes rash);
  5. Blood-hematologic disorder-hemolytic anemia (low red blood cell count) or leukopenia ((low white blood cell count); Also lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia or hypocomplementemia;
  6. Renal disorder: protein in urine or cellular casts
    7. seen in urine under a microscope;
  7. Antinuclearantibody test positive;
  8. Immunologic disorder: Positive anti-Smith, anti-ds DNA, antiphospholipid antibody, and/or false
    9. positive serological test for syphilis; Presence of anti-ss DNA in 70% of patients (though also positive in patients with rheumatic disease and healthy persons.
  9. Neurologic disorder: Seizures or psychosis;
  10. Malar rash (rash on cheeks);
  11. Discoid rash (red, scaly patches on skin that cause scarring);

erythematosus chest rash
Discoid Rash
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