ANCA - Anti Cytoplasmic Neutrophils Antibodies

Generality

Neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are autoantibodies directed against antigens contained in the cytoplasm of granulocytes.

Their presence is a useful serological marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of some systemic autoimmune diseases; these include primary vasculitis (inflammation of the vessels), such as:

• Wegener's granulomatosis;
• Microscopic polyangiitis;
• Churg-Strauss syndrome.

ANCAs can also contribute to the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (in particular, in the distinction between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and sclerosing cholangitis.

What are

ANCAs are autoantibodies directed to cytoplasmic constituents of neutrophilic granulocytes.