How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?
If psoriasis has been diagnosed before or at the time the other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are found, a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis may be easily confirmed. However, when psoriatic arthritis symptoms precede symptoms of psoriasis, diagnosis is more difficult. Although psoriatic arthritis sometimes causes an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mild anemia, and elevated blood uric acid levels, these symptoms are also associated with other rheumatic diseases, including gout. Other diagnostic tests may include: • physical examination and history • laboratory tests, such as blood tests • x-rays – a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
