Which antibodies are associated with limited systemic sclerosis, commonly referred to as CREST syndrome?

Limited systemic sclerosis, also known as CREST syndrome (which stands for calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia), is characterized by specific antibody associations. The antibodies most commonly associated with CREST syndrome are anti-centromere antibodies. These antibodies are present in a significant proportion of patients with limited scleroderma and are used as a biomarker to help distinguish it from other forms of systemic sclerosis.

Anti-Scl-70 antibodies are more typically associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis, which presents differently and has a different clinical progression. Anti-Ro and anti-La are primarily associated with Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus, not specifically with scleroderma. Thus, the identification of anti-centromere antibodies is crucial in understanding and diagnosing limited systemic sclerosis and its manifestations.