Which disease is likely to show a rim (peripheral) pattern in an IF microscopy test for ANA?

The peripheral or rim pattern observed in an indirect immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy test for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is particularly characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In SLE, this pattern is associated with the presence of antibodies against native DNA, which are significant in the pathophysiology of the disease. This specific antibody response leads to the formation of immune complexes and contributes to the clinical features of the disease.

While other conditions, such as mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma, may produce positive ANA results, they typically show different staining patterns. For example, mixed connective tissue disease is often associated with a speckled pattern, whereas scleroderma may show a nucleolar pattern. Understanding these patterns helps in distinguishing between various autoimmune diseases and provides insights into the underlying immunological processes at play.