Anti Centromere Antibodies
Understanding Anti Centromere Antibodies
What is Anti Centromere Antibodies?
Anticentromere antibodies test is ideally used to detect the presence of anticentromere antibodies. It is used to diagnose limited cutaneous scleroderma which is a subtype of scleroderma. If you are suffering from CREST Syndrome, you can have positive symptoms like the appearance of red spots on the hand and upper thorax due to dilated blood vessels. CREST Syndrome includes calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia.
The anticentromere antibody test may be used to distinguish between CREST Syndrome and other conditions with similar symptoms. A positive ACA test indicates the presence of anticentromere antibodies in blood. A negative ACA test indicates that you are suffering from a condition similar to CREST Syndrome.
What is Anti Centromere Antibodies used for?
The Anticentromere Antibody test is performed in case symptoms associated with CREST syndrome appears and a positive result is obtained in an Antinuclear Antibody test. CREST symptoms include:
• Calcinosis: Calcium deposits under skin
• Raynaud phenomenon: Episodes of reduced flow of blood to the fingers and toes, which causes them to turn white or blue
• Esophageal dysfunction: Swallowing difficulty, heartburn, and acid reflux
• Sclerodactyly: thick, tight, and shiny skin on hands and fingers
• Telangiectasia: Swollen capillaries and appearance of red spots on skin
Interpreting Anti Centromere Antibodies results
Interpretations
Presence of anti centromere antibodies in blood indicates the presence of Limited Cutaneous Scleroderma.
Other tests
