How You Get a Diagnosis of Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Diagnosing Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS) can be challenging due to its rarity and the similarity of its symptoms to those of other conditions. Here are the steps involved in diagnosing CSS:
Medical History and Symptoms: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including past illnesses and current symptoms. They will pay close attention to symptoms such as asthma, nasal congestion, joint pain, skin rash, and peripheral neuropathy.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be performed to look for signs of inflammation, such as swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints and skin. Your doctor may also check for enlargement of your lymph nodes and assess your lungs and heart.
Laboratory Tests: Several laboratory tests may be ordered, including:
- Complete blood count (CBC) to check for abnormalities in blood cell counts, such as low white blood cell count or high eosinophil count.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to measure inflammation in the body.
- Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) test to detect the presence of specific antibodies associated with CSS.
- Serum IgE levels to assess the levels of immunoglobulin E, which can be elevated in CSS.
- Urinalysis to check for abnormalities in the urine, such as proteinuria or blood in the urine.
Imaging Tests: Imaging studies may be recommended to assess the extent of inflammation and damage to your organs. These may include:
- Chest X-ray to evaluate the lungs for signs of inflammation or infiltrates.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and sinuses to look for inflammation in the airways and nasal passages.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected joints to assess the severity of joint involvement.
Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy of affected tissue, such as the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of CSS. The biopsy sample will be examined under a microscope to look for characteristic histological changes associated with CSS.
Diagnostic Criteria: The diagnosis of CSS is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, imaging results, and biopsy findings. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has established criteria for the diagnosis of CSS, which include the presence of specific symptoms and laboratory findings.
It's important to note that diagnosing CSS can be complex and may involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists, such as rheumatologists, pulmonologists, allergists, and pathologists, to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis.