What results best correlate with a positive anti-nuclear antibody test showing a titer of 1:320 with a peripheral pattern?

The most appropriate answer to correlate with a positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test showing a titer of 1:320 with a peripheral pattern is the one indicating an anti-dsDNA titer of 1:80 and a high titer of antibodies to Sm.

A titer of 1:320 for ANA, particularly with a peripheral pattern, suggests a strong likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition frequently associated with antibodies related to nuclear material. Among these, anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) and anti-Smith (Sm) antibodies are highly specific for SLE. A high titer of antibodies to Sm, in conjunction with anti-dsDNA, enhances the association with SLE, as these specific antibodies are commonly found in patients with this disease.

The presence of anti-dsDNA at a titer of 1:80 indicates the possible severity of the condition, as higher titers of these antibodies tend to correlate with disease activity. Alongside a high titer of anti-Sm antibodies, this combination strengthens the association with SLE, which is consistent with the characteristics of a positive ANA with a significant titer.

Other options are less representative of strong correlations with the