Anti-MAG (Myelin Associated Glycoprotein) Neuropathy

Pinpointing diagnosis with precision testing

The presence of MAG antibodies is often linked to a rare demyelinating neuropathy with poor treatment response known as distal acquired demyelinating sensory (DADS) neuropathy. In some cases, reaching correct diagnosis through clinical and electrophysiological evaluation alone can be difficult due to overlapping features, or when patient evaluation occurs later in the disease course. Incorporating MAG antibody testing into the diagnostic workup can help identify the correct diagnosis and exclude patients with treatable immune-mediated neuropathies.

MAGES | Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein Autoantibodies, IgM, Serum

  • Utilizes a semi-quantitative ELISA platform and human MAG antigen with improved specificity to equip physicians with more accurate information
  • Consider MAG autoantibody testing in the following instances:
    • Inconclusive electrodiagnostic studies
    • Presence of an IgM monoclonal protein (M-Protein) and neuropathy
    • Suspicion of distal acquired demyelinating sensory (DADS) neuropathy

A Test in Focus

John Mills, Ph.D., explains Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ approach to MAG antibody testing. The ELISA-based assay uses higher reference ranges and human MAG antigen to detect MAG antibodies, which are associated with a rare, hard-to-treat condition known as DADS neuropathy. 

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The role of MASS-FIX

Although most anti-MAG neuropathy cases have an associated IgM M-protein, in some cases testing using traditional approaches (such as serum electrophoresis and immunofixation) can be negative, which delays IgM M-protein discovery. MASS-FIX is a pioneering mass spectrometry assay that enables enhanced sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional approaches when looking for the presence of M-proteins in the blood.

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