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Song and Kim: Anti-Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Antibodies Detected in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that results in a chronic inflammatory disorder, which principally attacks the small joints. Several autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody, are known to be associated with RA. Anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies are mainly observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Indeed, a high titer of these antibodies is considered highly suggestive of SLE; however, anti-PCNA antibodies also appear in other autoimmune diseases. Two previous reports described RA patients with low titers of anti-PCNA antibodies, respectively. In this report, we describe a case of an RA patient exhibiting a high titer (>1:2,560) of anti-PCNA antibodies. The 56-yr-old female patient, with no underlying disease or medication history, presented with multiple joint pain and morning stiffness that had begun 6 months prior. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and RF were elevated (102 mm/hr and 77 IU/mL, respectively), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.8 mg/dL. While the test for anti-CCP antibodies was negative, an anti-PCNA pattern (>1:2,560) and a homogeneous pattern (1:320) were detected by autoimmune target (AIT) test. The presence of anti-PCNA antibodies was subsequently confirmed using the double immunodiffusion method. The anti-dsDNA test was also positive (1:160). X-ray imaging showed soft tissue swelling of multiple joints of both hands and wrists. According to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria, the patient was classified as having RA. This is the first case to describe high titers anti-PCNA antibodies associated with RA.

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

X-ray image showing soft tissue swelling of multiple joints of hands and wrists.

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Fig. 2

AIT test of IT-1 cells using the indirect immunofluorescence method. Image depicts the pattern of anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody (1:20 dilution) binding, which is masked by the homogeneous pattern (×200).

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Fig. 3

AIT test of IT-1 cells using the indirect immunofluorescence method. Images depict the pattern of anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibody binding at a 1:1,280 dilution (A: ×200, B: ×400).

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Notes

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