Which disease is least likely when a nucleolar pattern occurs in an immunofluorescence test for antinuclear antibodies?

Which disease is least likely when a nucleolar pattern occurs in an immunofluorescence test for antinuclear antibodies?

• A. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)
• B. Sjögren's syndrome
• C. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• D. Scleroderma

Answer: (A)

A nucleolar pattern observed in an immunofluorescence test for antinuclear antibodies is predominantly associated with certain autoimmune diseases. In this context, it is important to understand the diseases linked to each specific staining pattern. Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is characterized by the presence of antibodies to U1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and the immunofluorescence test often shows a speckled or diffuse pattern rather than a nucleolar one. On the contrary, conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma are more frequently associated with a nucleolar pattern. Sjögren's syndrome can also present with a nucleolar pattern, albeit less commonly. Therefore, MCTD is least likely to show a nucleolar pattern in immunofluorescence testing, which is why the choice is seen as the correct answer in this scenario. Understanding the specific staining patterns and their associations with various diseases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and interpretation of autoimmune profiles.

A nucleolar pattern observed in an immunofluorescence test for antinuclear antibodies is predominantly associated with certain autoimmune diseases. In this context, it is important to understand the diseases linked to each specific staining pattern.

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is characterized by the presence of antibodies to U1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and the immunofluorescence test often shows a speckled or diffuse pattern rather than a nucleolar one. On the contrary, conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma are more frequently associated with a nucleolar pattern. Sjögren's syndrome can also present with a nucleolar pattern, albeit less commonly.

Therefore, MCTD is least likely to show a nucleolar pattern in immunofluorescence testing, which is why the choice is seen as the correct answer in this scenario. Understanding the specific staining patterns and their associations with various diseases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and interpretation of autoimmune profiles.