Autoimmune dysautonomia
Clarify diagnosis with innovative, clinically meaningful antibody testing
For individuals affected by autoimmune dysautonomia — which includes a group of heterogeneous disorders with both idiopathic and paraneoplastic origins — determining the correct cause involves a multipronged approach that combines clinical exam, electrophysiological studies, and antibody testing. Defining the correct cause can not only guide selection of the best therapy but can also direct a search for an underlying cancer.
Mayo Clinic has been at the forefront of autonomic neurology testing for decades, with physician scientists both pioneering electrophysiology testing and discovering the alpha-3 beta-4 ganglionic neuronal acetylcholine receptor binding antibody (alpha-3-AChR), the most frequently encountered antibody marker for the disorder.
Autoimmune dysautonomia test menu
Dysautonomia
Our industry-leading dysautonomia antibody evaluation was designed to provide clinically meaningful results and only includes antibodies with relevance to immune-mediated dysautonomia. Eight antibodies are included in the panel, including the most commonly identified alpha-3-AChR antibody, as well as rarer antibodies, such as AP3B2, testing for which is unavailable elsewhere.
Built around technological advancements in evaluating for autoimmune dysautonomia, this innovative evaluation uses multiple methodologies to detect antibodies. Among these methods is a unique, live cell-based binding assay that uses flow cytometry, instead of radioimmunoprecipitation, to detect alpha-3-AChR antibodies. The live cell-based flow cytometry method offers improved specificity for alpha-3-AChR antibody detection while eliminating radioactivity concerns associated with radioimmunoprecipitation.
In addition to helping neurologists identify an autoimmune driver in patients with dysautonomia, this assay can also be useful for cardiologists and gastroenterologists to better understand the cause of symptoms in patients who present with gastrointestinal dysmotility, syncope, fainting, and blood pressure abnormalities.
Key testing
- DYS2 | Dysautonomia, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum
- Facilitates diagnosis of idiopathic autoimmune dysautonomia.
- Uses multiple methodologies, including live cell-based flow cytometry, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), cell binding assay (CBA), and others for antibody detection.
- Positive results automatically reflex to confirmatory testing.
- Results can help direct a focused search for cancer.
- Includes only clinically meaningful antibodies.
References
- Mckeon A, Benarroch EE. Autoimmune autonomic disorders. Handb Clin Neurol. 2016;133:405-416. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63432-0.00022-0