Centromere Antibodies details

Centromere antibodies are autoantibodies that target the centromere, a structure involved in cell division found inside the nucleus of your cells. Their presence is strongly associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, a form of scleroderma often referred to by the acronym CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia). A positive result, especially combined with a suggestive symptom pattern like Raynaud's phenomenon and skin changes limited to the hands, face, and lower arms/legs, supports this diagnosis and generally correlates with a milder, more limited disease course than the diffuse form of scleroderma, which is more often linked to Scl-70 antibodies instead.