BTG3 and arthritic joint disease: In a previous study, the prevalence of rheumatoid factor was reported in 27–30% of SSc patients and anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies (anti-CCP abs) in 1.5 to 12%.6,29,30 Similar to other studies, RF and anti-CCP did not correlate with the clinical or radiological pattern of arthritis.6,7 Our results indicated a prevalence rate of (92.7%) anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and 10.4% ACA among patients.