Posted 10/3/2022 6:41 PM (GMT -8)
A positive ANA just indicates *something* *may* be wrong with the autoimmune response. The rheumatologist is the correct Dr to determine if anything is wrong, and if so, what it is and how to treat it. I am including below the different kinds of ANA patters and what they might indicate, as well as the 11 diagnosing symptoms for Lupus. Let me know if you have more questions!
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If ANAs are present, the pathologist will see fluorescent cells making a staining pattern. The fluorescent pattern seen can help identify the type of autoimmune disease present. Staining patterns include:
Homogenous: A homogenous staining pattern means the entire nucleus is stained with ANA. It’s the most common type of staining pattern. A homogenous pattern can mean any autoimmune disease but more specifically, lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome.
Speckled: A speckled staining pattern means fine, coarse speckles of ANA are present throughout the nucleus. A speckled pattern may indicate various diseases, including lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome.
Centromere: A centromere staining pattern means the ANA staining is present along the chromosomes. A centromere pattern may indicate scleroderma.
Nucleolar: A nucleolar staining pattern means ANA staining is present around the nucleoles. The nucleoles is inside the nucleus and produces the cell’s ribosomes. A nucleolar pattern may indicate scleroderma. But it can also indicate Sjögren’s syndrome or mixed connective tissue disease or be a false positive.
Peripheral: A peripheral staining pattern means ANA staining is present around the edges of the nucleus. It has a shaggy appearance. A peripheral pattern may indicate lupus.
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Typically, four or more of the following eleven criteria must be present to make a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus.
1. Malar rash: butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
2. Discoid (skin) rash: raised red patches
3. Photosensitivity: skin rash as result of unusual reaction to sunlight
4. Mouth or nose ulcers: usually painless
5. Arthritis (non-erosive) in two or more joints, along with tenderness, swelling, or effusion. With non-erosive arthritis, the bones around joints don’t get destroyed.
6. Cardio-pulmonary involvement: inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis) and/or lungs (pleuritis)
7. Neurological disorder: seizures and/or psychosis
8. Renal (kidney) disorder: excessive protein in the urine, or cellular casts in the urine
9. Hematologic (blood) disorder: hemolytic anemia, low white blood cell count, or low platelet count
10. Immunologic disorder: antibodies to double stranded DNA, antibodies to Sm, or antibodies to cardiolipin
11. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA): a positive test in the absence of drugs known to induce it.
Best wishes,