Atopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice

Atopic dermatitis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Atopic dermatitis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Atopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Atopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Atopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice
CDC on Atopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice
Atopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice in the news
Blogs onAtopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice
Directions to Hospitals Treating Atopic dermatitis
Risk calculators and risk factors forAtopic dermatitis diagnostic study of choice

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Study of choice

[Name of the investigation] is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of [disease name].

OR

The following result of [gold standard test] is confirmatory of [disease name]:

• [Result 1]
• [Result 2]

OR

[Name of the investigation] must be performed when:

• The patient presents with [symptom/sign 1], [symptom/sign 2], and [symptom/sign 3].
• A [name of test] is positive for [sign 1], [sign 2], and [sign 3] in the patient.

OR

[Name of the investigation] is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of [disease name].

OR

The diagnostic study of choice for [disease name] is [name of the investigation].

OR

There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of [disease name].

OR

There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of [disease name], but [disease name] can be diagnosed based on [name of the investigation 1] and [name of the investigation 2].

OR

[Disease name] is primarily diagnosed based on the clinical presentation.

OR

Investigations:

• Among the patients who present with clinical signs of [disease name], the [investigation name] is the most specific test for the diagnosis.
• Among the patients who present with clinical signs of [disease name], the [investigation name] is the most sensitive test for diagnosis.
• Among the patients who present with clinical signs of [disease name], the [investigation name] is the most efficient test for diagnosis.

The comparison of various diagnostic studies for [disease name]

Test	Sensitivity	Specificity
Test 1	...%	...%
Test 2	...%	...%

[Name of test with higher sensitivity and specificity] is the preferred investigation based on the sensitivity and specificity

Diagnostic results

The following finding(s) on performing [investigation name] is(are) confirmatory for [disease name]:

• [Finding 1]
• [Finding 2]

Sequence of Diagnostic Studies

The [name of investigation] must be performed when:

• The patient presented with symptoms/signs 1, 2, and 3 as the first step of diagnosis.
• A positive [test] is detected in the patient, to confirm the diagnosis.

OR

The various investigations must be performed in the following order:

• [Initial investigation]
• [2nd investigation]

Name of Diagnostic Criteria

• Atopic dermatitis is primarily diagnosed based on clinical presentation. There are several established criteria for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, the earliest diagnostic criteria is the 1980 Hanifin and Rajka criteria
• The most used criteria worldwide is published by United Kingdom working group and is based upon history, morphology and distribution of eczematous lesions, and clinical features of atopic dermatitis.
• United Kingdom working group criteria includes one mandatory and 3 or more from the 5 major criteria.

Atopic dermatitis diagnostic criteria
Mandatory criteria: Evidence of pruritus or report of scratching or rubbing by the parent 3 or more of the major criteria: History of skin creases involvement including areas around neck and eyes, front of ankles, front of elbows and back of knees. History of asthma or hay fever( if children <4 years of age - history of atopic disease in a first-degree relative) History of presence of generally dry skin in the past year. The onset of symptoms in child <2 years of age. This criterion is not recommended if child <4 years old. Visible dermatitis including flexor surfaces. In children <4 years of age, the criterion can involve dermatitis affecting the cheeks or forehead and outer aspects of the extremities.
Adapted from U.K. Working Party's Diagnostic Criteria