Persistent Positive ANA, Now DFS70 – Does This Indicate Recovery?

Posted by hamzaw @hamzaw, Feb 22 11:24am

I'm looking for insights from anyone with similar experiences regarding my autoimmune markers and test results over the past couple of years. Despite a consistently positive ANA, other autoimmune markers have remained negative. Here's a chronological summary of my test history:

Autoimmune Markers & Related Tests (2023–2025)
September 2023
Anti-CCP (Rheumatoid Arthritis Marker): 2.1 u/mL (Normal < 5 u/mL) → Negative

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA): Positive, Homogeneous pattern, Titer 1:5120

Suggestive of conditions like SLE, drug-induced lupus, etc.

February 2024
Anti-CCP: 0.64 u/mL (Normal < 5 u/mL) → Negative

ANA: Positive, Dense Fine Speckled (DFS) pattern, Titer 1:2560

Anti-dsDNA: 3.4 IU/mL (Negative < 20)

Rheumatoid Factor (RF): < 14 IU/mL (Negative)

CRP: 0.5 mg/L (Normal)

June 2024
ANA: Positive, Homogeneous pattern, Titer 1:1280

Other Autoimmune Markers:

Serum Anti-dsDNA (Quantitative): 3.4 IU/mL → Negative

Serum Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase IgG: < 0.5 → Negative

Serum Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase IgA: -2.3 → Negative

Serum IgE: 528 (High)

Serum IgA: 2.77 (Normal)

Serum IgG: 15.1 (Normal)

Serum IgM: 1.0 (Normal)

Serum Anti-Cardiolipin IgG: 0.5 Negative

Serum Anti-Cardiolipin IgM: -0.7. Negative

Serum Beta-2 Glycoprotein IgG: Negative

Serum Beta-2 Glycoprotein IgM: -2.1

Serum ANCA (Anti-PR3, Anti-MPO): < 2 → Negative

IDA/IDD/ENA/IgG Test: Negative for antibodies related to autoimmune liver disease, Sharp syndrome, systemic lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, CREST syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and myositis.

Serum Complement C3: Negative

Serum Complement C4: Negative

Lupus Anticoagulant L1 Screening: Negative

ESR: 12 mm/hr (Normal < 20 mm/hr)

September 2024
ANA: Positive, Speckled pattern, Titer 1:640

Anti-dsDNA: Negative (qualitative test by Crithidia luciliae)

November 2024
ANA: Positive, DFS (Diffuse Fine Speckled) pattern, Titer 1:320

January 2025
ANA: Positive, DFS70 (AC-2) pattern, Titer 1:320

ESR: 1 mm/hr (Normal < 20 mm/hr)

Overall Summary & Questions
Over the past few months, my symptoms of vasculitis and joint pain have dramatically improved as my ANA titres have been decreasing. I feel significantly better now, though I still have some mild symptoms(vasculitis on arms and legs). However, I'm particularly curious about the DFS70 pattern that has emerged in my most recent tests.

Given that my ESR is very low and my ANA is now showing the DFS70 pattern at a lower titre, what does this really mean in my case? Could this indicate a shift in my condition, or is it possible that this pattern reflects a more benign scenario?

I would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences or insights on the DFS70 pattern in this context.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

celia16 | @celia16 | Mar 6 4:29am

In reply to @susanop "Interesting to hear about your background. I have a positive ANA (dense speckled) and psoriasis and..." + (show)

I have read, but not confirmed that autoimmune disorders are more prevalent in those from Eastern European descent. There are a few in the family who seem to have been spared. ….so far.

celia16 | @celia16 | Mar 6 4:38am

In reply to @seniormed "Keep I’m mind that with psoriasis and other systemic inflammatory diseases we need preventive measures to..." + (show)

I think my doctors do. I know I operate that way. Since I have type 1 diabetes, I operate as if I have severe cardiovascular disease, even though I don’t. I take a statin, eat very healthful diet, exercise daily, get regular labs, screen for problems. My carotid ultrasound showed no plaque, so my PC found that a good indication. I still may get Calcium Score next year. He thought the ultrasound for now was sufficient. I do need to work on stress situation.