[Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA): major progress in the diagnosis of vasculitis].

ANCA antibodies represent a family of autoantibodies directed against neutrophil enzymes. Immunofluorescence patterns allow to distinguish c-ANCAs from p-ANCAs. The detection of ANCAs is often a key element for the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis, microperiarteritis, Churg-Strauss syndrome and idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Although the pathogenic role of ANCAs is not firmly established, their detection often allows an early therapeutic decision in necrotizing vasculitides.