Raynaud's phenomenon and positive antinuclear antibodies in a malignancy

Article Abstract:

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by vasospasm, constriction of blood vessels, in response to cold or emotional stress. Usually, this results in an initial whitening of the skin, followed by a bluish color and then reddening, but occasionally the response is incomplete and only part of the color changes occur. Raynaud's phenomenon may occur by itself as a primary disorder, or may be a consequence of disorders such as autoimmune diseases, in which the body makes antibodies against its own tissues. A case is reported of a 78-year-old woman with cancer who developed Raynaud's phenomenon and a high blood level of antinuclear antibodies (antibodies that react against components from the nucleus of cells). High levels of antinuclear antibodies are typically associated with autoimmune disorders. The woman had a two-month history of poor sensation and color changes in the hands, and weight loss. Laboratory tests showed elevated antinuclear antibodies, and ultrasound studies showed abnormalities in the liver. Biopsy confirmed cancerous cells in the liver. The tissue origin of the cancer could not be identified, and the patient died four months later. Raynaud's phenomenon has been previously associated with cancer chiefly in relation to chemotherapy. Measurable antinuclear antibody levels have also been found in association with cancer, but rarely in combination with Raynaud's phenomenon. The study suggests that sudden development of this disorder and measurable levels of these antibodies in patients without other evidence of autoimmune or connective tissue disorders may indicate the presence of cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Diagnosis, Cancer, Raynaud's disease, Cancer diagnosis

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Antinuclear antibodies in patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) and in their blood relatives and spouses

Article Abstract:

It appears unlikely that environmental or genetic factors play a role in systemic scleroderma. Systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hardening and thickening of the skin. Most people affected have antibodies to the cell nucleus (antinuclear antibodies, or ANA) in their blood. Researchers measured ANA in the blood of 58 scleroderma patients, 30 of their spouses and 74 of their first degree relatives. They were compared to 66 healthy individuals. Ninety-five percent of the scleroderma patients were positive for ANAs, compared with 18% of the healthy individuals. Only 3% percent of the patients' spouses and 7% of their relatives were positive for ANAs.

Scleroderma (Disease)

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Specificity of antinuclear antibodies in primary bilary cirrhosis

Article Abstract:

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) may be a multisystem autoimmune disease. PCB is a liver disease where the flow of bile into the liver is obstructed by inflammation. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) abnormalities are indicators autoimmune diseases. Blood levels of ANA from 21 patients with PBC were compared to those of 20 healthy patients. Patients with PCB exhibited ANA profiles very similar to those of persons with multisystem autoimmune diseases and included markets of such autoimmune disorders as induced lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren syndrome is often associated with PBC.

Autoimmune diseases, Liver cirrhosis

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