Centromere AntiBody IgG

Anticentromere antibodies are most strongly linked with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST) and its features—Raynaud’s phenomenon, calcinosis, telangiectasia, esophageal dysmotility, and digital ischemia—and with increased risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension. They can also appear in primary biliary cholangitis and, less commonly, in other autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis; occasionally they’re found in asymptomatic people.

Anti-centromere IgG antibodies are autoantibodies that target centromere proteins (for example CENP-B) in cell nuclei. They are strongly associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST) and may predict complications such as pulmonary hypertension. Detected by immunofluorescence or ELISA, their presence supports diagnosis and helps guide monitoring for related autoimmune disease manifestations.

The anti‑centromere antibody test detects autoantibodies that target centromere proteins. It is mainly used to help diagnose limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST) and to distinguish types of scleroderma; positivity is associated with Raynaud’s, skin tightening, and increased risk of pulmonary hypertension. It can also occur in other autoimmune conditions and aids prognosis and monitoring.

A high anti-centromere antibody titer suggests an autoimmune response commonly linked to limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST). It indicates increased risk of features such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, skin tightening of hands/face, calcinosis, digital ulcers and pulmonary arterial hypertension, but lower risk of severe interstitial lung disease and renal crisis than diffuse forms. Referral to a rheumatologist and regular monitoring (lung function, echocardiography) are recommended.

Scleroderma commonly causes skin changes: thickening, hardening, tight, shiny skin and Raynaud’s attacks where fingers or toes turn white, blue then red. Patients may have swollen or painful joints, muscle weakness, fatigue, small dilated blood vessels, and digital ulcers. Internal organ symptoms include acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath from lung involvement, and less commonly kidney or heart problems.

Autoimmune diseases produce autoantibodies—immune proteins that mistakenly target the body's own tissues. Common examples include systemic lupus erythematosus (antinuclear and anti‑dsDNA antibodies), rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid factor, anti‑CCP), Hashimoto’s and Graves’ thyroiditis (anti‑TPO, anti‑thyroglobulin, TSH‑receptor antibodies), and type 1 diabetes (anti‑GAD). They are detected by blood tests and guide treatment decisions.