ANTI-STRIATED MUSCLE ANTIBODIES

CLINICAL UTILITY:

Antibodies to striated muscle tissue are found in myasthenia gravis (MG). Presence of the antibody, especially in high titer (>1:80), is helpful in diagnosis of MG in cases of suspected thymomas. The antibody is most frequently found in the sera of myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma. However, occasionally anti-striated muscle antibodies occur in the sera of patients with thymoma who do not have myasthenia gravis symptoms. Confirmation with the assay for antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor often is advisable.

METHOD DESCRIPTION:

Antibodies to striated muscle tissue are found in myasthenia gravis (MG). Presence of the antibody, especially in high titer (>1:80), is helpful in diagnosis of MG in cases of suspected thymomas. The antibody is most frequently found in the sera of myasthenia gravis patients with thymoma. However, occasionally anti-striated muscle antibodies occur in the sera of patients with thymoma who do not have myasthenia gravis symptoms. Confirmation with the assay for antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor often is advisable.

REFERENCE RANGE:

Negative. Low titers (1:10) may appear in a small percentage of the normal population, with incidence increasing with age.

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS:

1.0 ml serum. Freeze.