ANCA

Autoantibodies directed against antigens in the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils and monocytes, detected serologically and used primarily in the diagnosis and monitoring of ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis.

Causes

• Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis/Wegener's granulomatosis

• Microscopic Polyangiitis

• Churg-Strauss syndrome

• Bacterial infections: Staphylococcus aureus

• Viral infections: CMV, EBV, parvovirus

• Silica exposure

• Drugs: cocaine, propylthiouracil, minocycline, hydralazine, and allopurinol