Dermatology · Connective Tissue Disorders in Skin (Lupus, Scleroderma)

A 45-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis presents with Raynaud's phenomenon, tight bound-down skin on the fingers, and calcium deposits under the skin of fingers. DIF shows homogeneous granular deposits at the DEJ. Which antibody is associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST syndrome)?

  • A Anti-Scl-70 (anti-topoisomerase I)
  • B Anti-dsDNA
  • C Anti-centromere antibody (ACA)
  • D Anti-Jo-1
Correct answer: C. Anti-centromere antibody (ACA)

Explanation

Anti-centromere antibody (ACA) is characteristically associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, formerly called CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud's, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasia). ACA is positive in about 70-80% of limited SSc cases and has a better prognosis than diffuse SSc. Anti-Scl-70 (anti-DNA topoisomerase I) is associated with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and correlates with interstitial lung disease and worse prognosis. Anti-Jo-1 is seen in dermatomyositis/antisynthetase syndrome.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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