c-ANCA is primarily associated with which condition?

c-ANCA, or cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, is primarily associated with Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis). This condition is a small-vessel vasculitis characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, typically affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys. Patients often present with symptoms such as sinusitis, pulmonary infiltrates, and renal impairment.

The association of c-ANCA with Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is due to the presence of antisera against the proteinase 3 (PR3) enzyme found in neutrophils, which plays a crucial role in this disease. While other conditions may have different associations with ANCA types — such as p-ANCA with various forms of vasculitis — c-ANCA and its association with PR3 is a hallmark feature specifically tied to Granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

In contrast, conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, Goodpasture syndrome, and rheumatic fever have distinct immunological markers and pathophysiological mechanisms that do not typically involve c-ANCA. Therefore, the primary link between c-ANCA and Granulomatos