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Diagnostic Tests – Anticentromere Antibodies
1. What condition is it associated with?
Anticentromere antibodies are highly specific for CREST syndrome, which represents the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis.
CREST is an acronym for:
By contrast, anti–topoisomerase I (Scl-70) antibodies are associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis, the more severe, systemic form of the disease.
2. When do you answer anticentromere antibodies?
You should select anticentromere antibody testing as the best initial or confirmatory test when a clinical scenario describes:
Exam pearl:
Limited scleroderma / CREST → Anticentromere antibodies
Diffuse systemic sclerosis → Scl-70 antibodies
1. What condition is it associated with?
Anticentromere antibodies are highly specific for CREST syndrome, which represents the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis.
CREST is an acronym for:
- Calcinosis
- Raynaud phenomenon
- Esophageal dysmotility
- Sclerodactyly
- Telangiectasia
By contrast, anti–topoisomerase I (Scl-70) antibodies are associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis, the more severe, systemic form of the disease.
2. When do you answer anticentromere antibodies?
You should select anticentromere antibody testing as the best initial or confirmatory test when a clinical scenario describes:
- A woman aged 30–50 years
- Symptoms suggestive of limited systemic sclerosis (e.g., Raynaud phenomenon, skin tightening of fingers, telangiectasias)
- Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA)
- Often a positive rheumatoid factor
Exam pearl:
Limited scleroderma / CREST → Anticentromere antibodies
Diffuse systemic sclerosis → Scl-70 antibodies
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