Is it necessary to perform connective tissue disorders laboratory tests when a patient experiences the first demyelinating attack?

Background: It may be difficult to differentiate between the first demyelinating attack and the neurological manifestations of connective tissue diseases. Materials and Methods: A total of 79 patients with optic neuritis were compared with 79 healthy controls. Their blood samples were tested for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‑reactive protein (CRP), antiβ2‑Glycoprotein I antibody (IgG, IgM), anticardiolipin antibody (IgM, IgG), lupus anticoagulant, anti‑double strand DNA (anri‑ds DNA), antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti‑myeloperoxidae (p‑ANCA), and anti‑Proteinase 3 (C‑ANCA). Results: In clinically isolated syndrome group β2‑Glycoprotein (IgM) and lupus anti‑coagulant were positive in 1.3% of patients whereas ANA was positive in 1.3% and anti‑β2‑Glycoprotein I (IgM) was positive in 2.5% of control group. No rheumatologic disease was found in objects with positive tests. Conclusion: This study shows no specific difference between two groups.