HomeAnswersEndocrinologyaddison's diseaseI tested positive for 21 hydroxylase antibodies. Could it be Addison's disease?

What are the diagnostic tests for Addison's disease?

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Answered by

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 4, 2024
Reviewed AtJanuary 4, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am positive for 21 hydroxylase antibodies and was wondering if this is enough evidence to prove Addison's illness. I am currently taking Viibryd 20 mg and had a vein puncture test recently.

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Positive 21-hydroxylase antibody titers are both sensitive (about 90 %) and specific (>99 %) for autoimmune adrenalitis. Positive antibodies to 21-hydroxylase confirm an autoimmune adrenal insufficiency etiology. Additionally, blood calcium, phosphorus, fasting glucose, free thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are tested to rule out concomitant autoimmune hypoparathyroidism, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. If hypocalcemia is discovered, the amount of serum parathyroid hormone should be determined. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol levels must also be measured. Then an abdominal CT (computed tomography) is required to detect adrenal gland hypertrophy. These are the basic tests required to diagnose autoimmune adrenal insufficiency.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Endocrinology

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