Specimen Requirements

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Stability

Days Performed

Mon, Thu, Sat

Turnaround Time

2 - 5 days

Methodology

Reference Range

Special Info

This test is New York state approved.

Clinical Info

This test is useful in the diagnosis of autoimmune cerebellar ataxia and encephalitis. The presence of Ma2/Ta antibodies may be associated with cerebellar ataxia, encephalitis, dementia, and brainstem encephalitis. Ma2/Ta antibody disease may be paraneoplastic and is primarily associated with testicular cancer and adenocarcinoma. IgG antibodies to Ma2/Ta are associated with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes with phenotypes most often including a combination of limbic encephalitis, diencephalic encephalitis, and brainstem encephalitis. Patients with anti-Ma2/Ta paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes should be thoroughly evaluated for cancer, including testicular cancer and adenocarcinoma, as neurologic symptoms often precede cancer diagnosis. Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has also been associated with an increased risk of anti-Ma2 paraneoplastic neurologic disease. Consider sending testing in serum as well as CSF to improve diagnostic yield. Results (positive or negative) should be interpreted in the context of the patient's complete clinical picture, as false positives may occur, and a negative result does not exclude the diagnosis of paraneoplastic neurologic disease.