ANA abnormalities in MS?

Posted By  CCF Neuro MD on November 26, 1997 at 16:10:15:

In Reply to: ANA abnormalities in MS? posted by christie on November 25, 1997 at 21:32:37:

: Hi. I have seen a rheumatologist for about three months now who has essentially ruled out lupus.  My only abnormality in any testing that has been done was an elevated ANA (1:320 second test, down from 1:640 on the first - homogenous pattern).  My symptoms actually changed to where I began to feel "inflamed" all over as opposed to just in the joints. It seemed that my nerves were "on fire"...no where actually FELT hot, it just felt as though every nerve in my body had a "throbbing" type of pain.  It got really severe, and the rheumy gave me a medrol dose-pak and it went away.  Symptoms progressed into my two thigh muscles...seems they have severe dull and burning pain deep into the muscles.  With these new symptoms, I had a neurologist office visit with no abnormalities in the typical "office exam".  I am wondering if these symptoms even sound like ms, and the big question, if ANAs are elevated in MS patients.  I should also mention that about a year and a half ago I had a bladder urgency problem, that eventually cleared up with no medical intervention in about 2-3 months.  If I have MS, this would have probably been my first symptom.  Any thoughts on my symptoms and on the ANA in a MS patient??

[CF-Neuro-MD]

Dear Christie,
Hello,
There is an incidence of 80% of MS patients with abnormal ANA titers.  The symptoms that you discussed could be consitent with MS but
it is impossible to say without talking in more detail and doing a neurological exam.  
The inital tests that would be helpful would include a Brain MRI and CSF or spinal tap.
We have an MS Center here called the Mellen Center and we'd be glad to see you some day to give you our opinion regarding the possibility of you having MS.
The appointment number is 216-444-8600.  Good Luck!