Targeted antibody analysis
Improved specificity for clinically actionable results
Patients with axonal autoimmune neuropathies, which result when peripheral nerve axons sustain damage, can have symmetric or asymmetric involvements of the extremities, trunk, and head, including extraocular muscles. Subacute onsets and asymmetric involvements more commonly indicate inflammatory or immune causes rather than inherited or metabolic forms. Other parts of the nervous system may also be affected based on the specific inflammatory or immune-mediated causes. Paraneoplastic involvements are mainly axonal in nature.
Because of the overlap of clinical symptoms, we recommend a panel-based approach rather than individual antibody testing. Our targeted axonal panel evaluates specific antibodies associated with autoimmune or paraneoplastic neuropathies.
When to consider testing
There are certain important clinical characteristics associated with the antibodies offered in this panel. The managing physician should consider ordering this test if the patient has one of the following clinical features:
Key testing
Phenotypic evaluations
Our autoimmune axonal neuropathy evaluation is part of an evolving approach to testing for autoimmune neurological disorders using phenotypic-specific evaluations that include multiple antibodies known for their disease association.
A Test in Focus
Divyanshu Dubey, M.B.B.S., explains Mayo Clinic Laboratories' phenotypic testing approach for autoimmune axonal neuropathy. The comprehensive, serologic panel detects for antibodies with clinical relevance to the disease to provide clarity on etiology, prognosis, and treatment choices.
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