Significance of anticentromere antibody in idiopathic Raynaud's syndrome

Am J Med. 1987 Nov;83(5):893-8. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(87)90647-4.

Abstract

Fifty-eight patients with Raynaud's syndrome who had no evidence of definite underlying connective tissue disease had serum analyzed for the presence of anticentromere antibody using indirect immunofluorescence techniques on HEp-2 cell lines. Eighteen patients (31 percent) were anticentromere antibody-positive. The anticentromere antibody-positive group demonstrated significantly more frequent digital telangiectases, digital edema, elevated levels of immunoglobulins, and low C4 values. Photoplethysmography revealed significantly diminished blood flow in the anticentromere antibody-positive group. Capillary microscopy revealed significantly increased avascularity and number of dilated loops in the anticentromere antibody-positive group. Giant loops were seen exclusively in the anticentromere antibody-positive group. The clinical findings in the anticentromere antibody-positive group are suggestive of a transition to a connective tissue disease with features of the CREST syndrome.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / analysis*
  • Centromere / immunology*
  • Chromosomes / immunology*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Fingers / blood supply
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plethysmography
  • Raynaud Disease / immunology*
  • Raynaud Disease / physiopathology
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear