Diagnostics of myasthenic syndromes: detection of anti-AChR and anti-MuSK antibodies

Neurol Sci. 2017 Oct;38(Suppl 2):253-257. doi: 10.1007/s10072-017-3026-2.

Abstract

This paper presents the Italian guidelines for autoantibody testing in myasthenia gravis that have been developed following a consensus process built on questionnaire-based surveys, internet contacts and discussions during dedicated workshops of the sponsoring Italian Association of Neuroimmunology (AINI). Essential clinical information on myasthenic syndromes, indications and limits of antibody testing, instructions for result interpretation and an agreed laboratory protocol (Appendix) are reported for the communicative community of neurologists and clinical pathologists.

Keywords: AChR; Laboratory diagnostics; MuSK; Myasthenia gravis; Neurological autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies*
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • MUSK protein, human
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases