The Wide World of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)-Associated Disorders: Patterns, Clinical Phenotypes, Comorbidities, and Impact
A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Immunology & Rheumatology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 1291
Editor
Interests: autoimmune disorders; inflammatory diseases; biologicals; connective tissue disorders; spondyloarthitis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Antinuclear antibody (ANA)-associated disorders encompass an exceptionally broad and heterogeneous spectrum of conditions, from organ-limited manifestations to complex systemic autoimmune diseases. This Special Issue aims to deliver a clinically grounded, practice-focused overview of ANA-related diseases (SLE, Sjögren’s disease, systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, MCTD/UCTD, autoimmune liver disease, overlap, and drug-induced syndromes), highlighting diagnostic challenges, evolving classification concepts, and implications for patient monitoring and long-term follow-up. We invite contributions that refine the interpretation of ANA patterns, explore associations between serological profiles and clinical phenotypes, and clarify the impact of ANA status in overlap syndromes and undifferentiated connective tissue diseases. Particular attention will be given to comorbidities and complications, including cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, oncologic, infectious, and neuropsychiatric burdens, as well as treatment-related toxicities that influence prognosis, disability, and quality of life. Contributions on imaging tools, structured risk stratification, and longitudinal cohorts are welcome. Submissions addressing pediatric versus adult-onset disease, pregnancy, sex and gender influences, elderly patients, and underserved populations are strongly encouraged. Through original articles, narrative and systematic reviews, and carefully selected case-based contributions, this Special Issue seeks to integrate serological, clinical, and prognostic perspectives, providing clinicians and multidisciplinary teams with an updated, patient-centered framework for accurate classification, timely referral, and holistic management of individuals with ANA-associated disorders. Ultimately, we aim to better align testing, interpretation, and outcomes.
Dr. Daniela Opris-Belinski
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
- ANA-associated disorders
- clinical phenotypes
- ANA patterns
- lupus, Sjögren’s disease, systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, comorbidities
- connective tissue diseases
- overlap syndromes
- undifferentiated connective tissue disease
- risk stratification
- patient-centered management
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