Antinuclear and anticytoplasmic antibodies: concepts and misconceptions

Skin involvement is a common feature of several diseases in which circulating autoantibodies to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens can be found. Patients with these diseases can be managed more efficiently if the physician is fully aware of the diagnostic and prognostic value of these various antinuclear and anticytoplasmic antibodies. The dermatologist, therefore, not infrequently, must face the bewildering task of ordering and interpreting the results of assays for an ever-increasing number of circulating autoantibodies. In this report, we have attempted to make this less burdensome for the clinician by pointing out the basis for some of the confusion that has arisen in this area. The confusion has resulted primarily from a failure to recognize the limitations of the various assays involved.