Question
QUESTION: I've been suffering for the past few years with symptoms that might be autoimmune related. I've had a history of thyroid eye disease, low stage follicular/papillary variant thyroid carcinoma. (Thyroidectomy) and vitiligo.
I just recently had a RF done along with the Anti-Neut Cytopl. AB (ANCA)
Could you please help me determine the results?

Rhem-factor <=1:40  RFQNT<11
Rheum- factor: RA:A pos.(What is RA:A?)
c-ana neg, p-ana neg, atyp c-ana neg atyp-anca is unable to determine the presence of atypical anca pattern due to concomitant ana. (what does this mean)
MPOAB<1.2
PR3 <1.2
Should I be seeing a rheumatologist?

We ruled out sjogrens as I have the symptoms such as dry mouth, dry eye, left eye protrusion, dry skin that becomes itchy with cycles of lesions that come & go., fatigue, ache all over some days with the feeling like I'm coming down with something.

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out.


ANSWER: Sherry,

RA:A is an way of expressing RA Factor. RF is an autoantibody, an IgM (immunoglobulin M) protein that is produced by the body抯 immune system. Most often this protein is produced when the immune system is off and is attacking your joints.

Your ANA looks to be negative. This is a good thing. I am not sure what "atyp-anca is unable to determine the presence of atypical anca pattern due to concomitant ana" means.

I do think it is a good idea to see a Rheumatologist. Your symptoms are consistent with a couple of types of autoimmune conditions and a Rheumatologist is best to diagnose the symptoms you are showing.

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Could you give me a couple of suggestions as far as autoimmune conditions. I do know this is not meant for diagnosising but it may give me some sort of idea & peace of mind. I will be making an appt. with a rheumatologist as you suggested. Again, Thank you very much. As far as the ANA goes (the A typical-ANCA) they were unable to determine the presence of the A typical ANCA due to concomitant ANCA. I'm kind of guessing in thinking maybe I may have more than one thing going on?

Answer
Sherry,

There are three conditions in which an elevated RA Factor is common. Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus and Sj鰃ren抯 Syndrome. Your RA Factor was not that high and it is not unusual for people with no autoimmune disease to have it elevated.

Also most of the symptoms you mention are consistent with thyroid disease. So it very well could be that what you are suffering results from your Thyroidectomy and vitiligo as the combination explains all the symptoms you mention except for the elevated RA.

I wish you the best

Rusty