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Wegener's granulomatosis: false positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Brian Mains*
Affiliation:
Craigavon, N. Ireland
*
Brian Mains F.R.C.S., Craigavon Area Hospital, Craigavon, Co.Armagh BT63 5QQ

Abstract

The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (A.N.C.A.) test is a solid phase radioimmunoassay which detects autoantibodies specific for Wegener's granulomatosis. The case of a young male is reported with a nasal septal perforation who was extensively investigated revealing no other clinical features, apart from a positive A.N.C.A. test, warranting a diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. It is felt the case represents a false positive A.N.C.A. test and emphasises that the test, whilst useful, should be interpreted in the context of other diagnostic criteria.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1989

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References

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