How the diagnosis is made

Schnitzler syndrome

How is a diagnosis of Schnitzler syndrome made?

There is no specific test available to make a definite diagnosis of Schnitzler syndrome, unfortunately.

At the moment, doctors use a set of criteria. To come to a diagnosis of Schnitzler syndrome there must be a combination of chronic urticaria, a monoclonal IgM (or IgG) component in the blood and at least 2 of a list of further characteristics. It is also important that other disorders which can look like Schnitzler syndrome are ruled out—many of those other disorders are much more common than the rare Schnitzler syndrome.

What are other causes of urticaria?

For more information on chronic urticaria and its many possible causes see the website of the AAIR, and the website of the International Chronic Urticaria Society.

Last update/check: June 30, 2007

What are other causes of urticaria?

Information for patients