Which condition is most frequently associated with an appositive ANA pattern of anti-centromere antibodies?

The association of an appositive ANA (antinuclear antibody) pattern with anti-centromere antibodies is most commonly linked to scleroderma, particularly the limited form often referred to as CREST syndrome (which stands for calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia). In this condition, the presence of anti-centromere antibodies is a hallmark finding and is particularly associated with the limited cutaneous form of scleroderma.

In contrast, other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are associated with different patterns of ANA reactivity and specific autoantibodies. For example, systemic lupus erythematosus often demonstrates a homogeneous or speckled ANA pattern along with the presence of a variety of specific autoantibodies such as anti-dsDNA and anti-Smith antibodies. Understanding the specificity of autoantibody types and their corresponding clinical associations is crucial in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases.