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Myasthemia gravis profile

Myasthemia gravis, thymoma

Sample: Frozen serum 2.0 mL (See instructions)

Schedule: Two weeks

Status: UK lab

Reference Range: Negative

Remarks:  Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody (AchR) is used in diagnosis of acquired Myasthenia gravis (MG). This disease represents autoirnmune damage against postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscular weakness and fatigability. Involvement of extra ocular and general voluntary muscles is found and is strongly associated with tumour of the thymus. Ptosis and diplopia usually occur early. Swallowing is likely to be affected. MG is characterized by severe fatigue with exertion. There is some relief after rest. A positive AchR assay is specific. Used in investigation of myasthenia gravis AchR are not found in congenital (genetic) myasthenia. Uncommonly, false positives occur.

Anti Striated Muscle (AStM) antibody test is used during diagnosis of Myasthemia Gravis especially when the presence of cancer of the thymus (thymoma) is suspected. AStM Ab is most frequent in patients with both myasthemia gravis and thymoma whereas occasionally may occur in patients with thymoma and who do not have myasthemia gravis. Most frequently AStM test is used together with the AChR test