[Diagnostic value of antinuclear antibodies with special reference to the immunofluorescent speckled pattern]

This article reviews the different immunofluorescence pattern of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in various autoimmune diseases. Particular attention has been payed to the speckled immunofluorescence pattern, which is often caused by extractable nuclear antibodies (ENA). Clinical relevance, diagnostic significance and prognostic value are discussed in detail.