Which autoantibody is commonly associated with scleroderma and is linked to interstitial lung disease and esophageal hypomotility?

Which autoantibody is commonly associated with scleroderma and is linked to interstitial lung disease and esophageal hypomotility?

• A. Anti-centromere antibody
• B. Anti-dsDNA antibody
• C. Anti-Smith antibody
• D. Anti-RNP antibody

Answer: (A)

Autoantibody profiles help differentiate systemic sclerosis subsets and their typical organ involvement. Anti-centromere antibodies are most closely linked with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST) and are commonly associated with esophageal hypomotility due to smooth muscle fibrosis in the distal esophagus, along with a potential but variable involvement of the lungs including interstitial changes. Other antibodies listed are more characteristic of different diseases (anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith with SLE, anti-RNP with MCTD) and do not align as well with the scleroderma pattern described. Thus, anti-centromere antibodies best fit the association with scleroderma features like esophageal hypomotility and interstitial lung involvement.

Autoantibody profiles help differentiate systemic sclerosis subsets and their typical organ involvement. Anti-centromere antibodies are most closely linked with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (CREST) and are commonly associated with esophageal hypomotility due to smooth muscle fibrosis in the distal esophagus, along with a potential but variable involvement of the lungs including interstitial changes. Other antibodies listed are more characteristic of different diseases (anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith with SLE, anti-RNP with MCTD) and do not align as well with the scleroderma pattern described. Thus, anti-centromere antibodies best fit the association with scleroderma features like esophageal hypomotility and interstitial lung involvement.