[ANA-negative, anti-Ro-antibody positive subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus]

A female patient presented with the typical clinical and histological features of disseminated lupus erythematosus (LE). Direct immunofluorescence, as well as antinuclear antibodies were negative, but antibodies directed against the cytoplasmic Ro-antigen were found. The Ro-antigen is regarded as highly specific for SLE and Sjögren's syndrome. Clinical features and diagnosis of this distinct LE subset ("ANA negative, anti-Ro-positive LE"), as well as the sensitivity and specificity of the substrate in ANA determinations are discussed.