Mosaic of autoimmune encephalitis antibodies

Autoimmune Encephalitis Antibody Mosaic: Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders

The Autoimmune Encephalitis Antibody Mosaic is a comprehensive laboratory test designed to detect various autoantibodies against neuronal surface or intracellular antigens in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test helps diagnose autoimmune encephalitis, a rare but severe neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks brain cells.

What Is Autoimmune Encephalitis and the Antibody Mosaic?

Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of disorders in which the immune system produces autoantibodies directed against various brain proteins. These autoantibodies damage neurons, causing inflammation and a wide range of neurological symptoms, including seizures, memory impairment, behavioral changes, psychosis, movement disorders, and altered consciousness.

The term antibody mosaic refers to a testing panel that simultaneously screens for multiple autoantibodies associated with different forms of autoimmune encephalitis, including antibodies against NMDA receptors, LGI1, CASPR2, GABAA/B receptors, AMPA receptors, DPPX, IgLON5, mGluR5, GlyR, Hu, Yo, Ri, Ma2, CV2/CRMP5, Amphiphysin, and GAD65. This comprehensive analysis allows for the precise identification of the specific autoantibody involved and helps determine the subtype of autoimmune encephalitis.

When Is the Autoimmune Encephalitis Antibody Mosaic Test Performed?

This test is typically recommended when autoimmune encephalitis is suspected due to the following symptoms:

• Seizures of unknown origin: particularly those that are resistant to treatment.
• Acute or subacute behavioral changes: psychosis, hallucinations, or aggression.
• Cognitive impairment: memory loss, disorientation, and speech disturbances.
• Movement disorders: dystonia, dyskinesia, and ataxia.
• Altered consciousness: lethargy or coma.
• Autonomic dysfunction: cardiac rhythm disturbances and blood pressure fluctuations.
• Suspected paraneoplastic syndrome: when autoimmune encephalitis is associated with an underlying malignancy.

Test Procedure at the Clinic

The Autoimmune Encephalitis Antibody Mosaic test is performed using a blood sample and/or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample.

• Blood test: a blood sample is collected from a vein, usually in the arm.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: CSF is obtained through a lumbar puncture.

In most cases, no special preparation is required for this test. However, it is always recommended to consult your physician for specific instructions.

Interpretation of Results

The results of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Antibody Mosaic test are interpreted in conjunction with established reference ranges, the patient's symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic findings (such as MRI or EEG results).

• Positive result: indicates the presence of specific autoantibodies, supporting the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. The identified antibody helps determine the specific subtype of the disease.
• Negative result: indicates that none of the tested autoantibodies were detected.

It is important to emphasize that test results should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist, who can interpret them in the context of the patient's complete medical history, clinical symptoms, and other diagnostic findings.