A new direction

Improving patient outcomes

Autoimmune GI dysmotility (AGID) is a newly described clinical entity that is a clinical and limited manifestation of autoimmune dysautonomia.

Autonomic disease is typically associated with syncope, neuropathy, and sweating problems, but chronic gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility may also be a component.

Research conducted by Mayo Clinic on autonomic disease in an immune setting led to the discovery that immunotherapy can be beneficial for patients with autonomic disease.

A treatable condition

Identifying GI dysmotility as autoimmune-mediated is extremely important, because patients treated with immunotherapy can see a dramatic improvement — going from persistent nausea, vomiting, and weight loss, to feeling normal within a few weeks.


Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Evaluation 

Divyanshu (Div), Dubey, M.B.B.S., gives an overview of the new GID2 test available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories. He discusses when this testing should be ordered, how this testing compares to previous testing approaches, and what clinical action can be taken due to the results of this testing.

Who should be tested?

Clinical clues for diagnosing AGID

  • Proven GI dysmotility that is more diffuse; Involves stomach, small bowel, and colon; Not just a focal gastroparesis, focal colonic dysmotility, or focal esophageal dysmotility
  • Detection of one or more neural-specific autoantibodies
  • Evidence of limited, multifocal, or diffuse dysautonomia clinically and on objective autonomic function tests
  • Persistent nausea, vomiting, bloating, or involuntary weight loss
  • Subacute onset of disorder with a preceding viral prodrome (fever, headache, lethargy, and myalgias) in patients ages 20 to 60
  • Risk factors for cancer (e.g., personal or family history or use of tobacco)
  • Personal or family history of extra-intestinal autoimmune disorders

The more of these signs are present, the more likely the patient has AGID and the greater the need to test.

Key testing

Learn more about how to order this evaluation at your institution.