Much work in the past decade has focused on the development of serologic markers for IBD. ANCA and ASCA have been the most intensely studied.
ANCA is most commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. Specifically, perinuclear ANCA (pANCA), found on the inside of the nuclear membrane, is highly associated with ulcerative colitis. ANCA assay results are positive in 60%-80% of patients with ulcerative colitis. The presence of pANCA is associated with an earlier need for surgery. The finding of ANCA is roughly 50% sensitive and 94% specific for ulcerative colitis, and it has a 76% positive predictive value.
ASCA is more highly associated with Crohn disease and is present in 60% of cases, whereas ASCA is present in only 12% of patients with ulcerative colitis. ANCA is present in only about 40% of patients with Crohn disease. ANCA and ASCA titers are not correlated with disease activity.
For more on the work-up of ulcerative colitis, read here.
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Cite this: Marc D. Basson. Fast Five Quiz: Can You Properly Identify Ulcerative Colitis and Initiate Best Treatment? - Medscape - Dec 02, 2014.
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