The importance of examining antinuclear antibody (ANA) in neurological diseases

Abstract

Objective: In neurological clinical practice screening test for ANA (Anti-nuclear antibody) is helpful in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases which have neurological involvement. ANA investigation tests might be positive both in connective tissue disorders with neurological symptoms, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren's disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and also in neurological diseases in the which autoimmune system is responsible such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Myastenia Gravis. In addition drug usage and older age are the factors which might cause positive results in ANA screening tests. In this study we aimed to investigate the neurological diseases which are associated with postive ANA tests and to understand the efficiency of this screening test in neurological practice. Material and Method: The patients who were followed up in neurology outpatient clinic with positive ANA test were investigated. The medical records of 309 patients with positive ANA results were evaluated. The most common neurological diseases with positive ANA and ANA patterns were determined. Results: The patients who were thought to be demyelinating disease had the highest number of positive ANA results. However, positive ANA results were also found with different and non specific neurological symptoms. Conclusion: As a result of the diagnosis of neurological diseases, positive ANA results might be beneficial in patients with supportive medical history and laboratory findings.