Tired, aching, ANA-positive: does your patient have lupus or fibromyalgia?

Cleve Clin J Med. 2002 Feb;69(2):143-6, 151-2. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.69.2.143.

Abstract

The symptoms of fibromyalgia and lupus can be similar, but the treatments are very different. Although the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test has often been used to make the distinction, this approach has its pitfalls. This paper offers strategies for more accurate diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / analysis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Fibromyalgia / diagnosis*
  • Fibromyalgia / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Tests / methods
  • Immunologic Tests / standards
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • United States

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear