There is no one specific test for
diagnosing relapsing polychondritis. Relapsing polychondritis is diagnosed when
the doctor recognizes the classic pattern of cartilage involvement during the
history and physical examination. The symptoms described above can suggest the
disease.
Blood tests
Blood tests that indicate inflammation,
such as an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein,
and others, are often abnormal when the disease is active.
Imaging tests
CT scanning, especially spiral CT, may help
to identify problems with the airways.
MRI imaging may be useful to demonstrate
inflammation in cartilage.
Biopsy
If tissue cartilage is biopsied, the
involved cartilage will demonstrate nonspecific signs of inflammation.
Other
Your doctor may order following additional
test to make diagnosis
·
Pulmonary function testing and
flow volume loop.
·
Bronchoscopy if there is
respiratory involvement.
·
Echocardiography to assess
heart valve function.
·
Cardiac catheterisation and
angiography if there is cardiovascular involvement.
