ANCA
Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies
Plain-language definition
Blood test antibodies associated with vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation). ANCA-positive vasculitis can cause scleritis, retinal vasculitis, and orbital inflammation.
Where this term comes up
“ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies)”
Test · Autoantibody Testing Panels
“ANCA testing helpful”
Condition · Optic Perineuritis
“…to scleritis though usually less extensive: blood tests including CBC, ESR, CRP, ANA, rheumatoid factor, and selected ANCA testing; serology for syphilis and Lyme as indicated; HLA-B27 in suspected spondyloarthropathy.”
Condition · Episcleritis
- Category
- Test or diagnostic term
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Diagnostic terms describe tests, measurements, imaging, or exam techniques used to understand eye and neuro-ophthalmic problems.
Related glossary terms
- autoimmune
Self-Attacking Immune Response
- CRP
C-Reactive Protein
- ESR
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- syphilis
Systemic Bacterial Infection
- vasculitis
Blood Vessel Inflammation
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.