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Real members of MyPsoriasisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

PsA Diagnostic Question

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Sykesville, MD

I am a bit concerned that the dermatologist i am currently seeing did not request any bloodwork or imaging to confirm my diagnosis of PsA. I'm sure I have plaque psoriasis in various areas that could be determined visually but if anyone else could share a story of how the determination of Psoriatic Arthritis was achieved i think it would calm me a bit. I guess if it was me attempting to diagnose i would be overly critical and request tests to increase my chance of a successful diagnosis and in… read more

August 14, 2021
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A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

My dermatologist-reumatologist did a visual of my joints, fingers, nails, ears & listened to my experiences to confirm my PsO - PsA

September 6, 2021
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

I was diagnosed by a Rheumatologist. I did have a bit of plaque psoriasis and the doc took a detailed history and did a thorough physical exam of my joints and problem areas. They also did bloodwork to check sed rate and other factors that show whether inflammation is present in the body and to rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis. They did X-rays of hands feet knees and spine as well.
If your Doc is really familiar with P and PSA, chances are that he knows what to look for, although at some point you need to see a Rheumatologist and will need bloodwork done periodically along with other tests as necessary. Depending on treatment to make sure it’s working, to be sure you don’t have joint damage and to rule out other coexisting diseases…

August 15, 2021
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

How is psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnosed?

PsA Diagnosis Process
1. Medical History and Examination:
- Dermatologists and rheumatologists typically diagnose PsA.
- They start by taking a medical history, identifying any family members with psoriasis or autoimmune diseases.
- Approximately 40% of people with PsA Show Full Answer

How is psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnosed?

PsA Diagnosis Process:
1. Medical History and Examination:
- Dermatologists and rheumatologists typically diagnose PsA.
- They start by taking a medical history, identifying any family members with psoriasis or autoimmune diseases.
- Approximately 40% of people with PsA have a close family member with psoriasis or PsA.

2. Physical Examination:
- Checking the skin, nails, and joints for symptoms of PsA or psoriasis.
- Looking for nail changes, swollen fingers or toes, and enthesitis.
- Evaluating joint condition by pressing on areas to check for pain, tenderness, swelling, and warmth.
- Assessing range of motion, stiffness, and overall mobility.

3. Blood Tests:
- No specific blood test can confirm PsA.
- Blood tests are used to detect inflammation and rule out other types of arthritis.
- Tests include Rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

4. Imaging Studies:
- X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound may be used to identify inflammation and bone changes.

5. Biopsies:
- Skin or joint fluid biopsies may be performed to confirm psoriasis and rule out other conditions.
- Arthrocentesis involves collecting synovial fluid from joints to study for inflammation and rule out gout.

6. Classification Criteria:
- The CASPAR criteria are often used to define PsA in clinical trials and by rheumatologists for diagnosis.
- Criteria include active psoriasis, family history, nail psoriasis, negative RF factor, and bone damage.

Important Notes:
- Skin psoriasis precedes a PsA diagnosis in nearly 80% of people with the joint disease.
- Symptoms of PsA can mimic other inflammatory arthritic diseases, leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent joint damage and improve long-term outcomes.

July 29, 2024
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Same for me , my Rheumatologist did bloodwork but all of my labs sed rate etc came back normal, but she clinically confirmed it’s psoriatic arthritis as I have confirmed case of psoriasis( punch biopsy) done twice as first time it did not showed up, and second time it came back as eczemateous Psoriasis. She is prescribed Otezla, I am wary of it’s side effects.. but have no choice as it’s effects my left wrist and right hand fingers and toes, elbow pain

January 2, 2022
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Same for me as Dewi. I did get blood work and my sed factor was high so there was inflammation when I was first diagnosed.

September 21, 2021

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