Myelopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum

Use

This test is useful for evaluating patients suspected of having autoimmune myelopathy, myelitis, and paraneoplastic myelopathy using serum specimens. Autoimmune myelopathy presents with subacute onset and rapid progression of spinal cord symptoms including weakness, gait difficulties, loss of sensation, neuropathic pain, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Clinical history, examination, spinal cord MRI, and cerebrospinal fluid testing may provide clues for an autoimmune diagnosis. This evaluation assists in distinguishing autoimmune from other myelopathies, such as multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, or vascular disease, and aids in early diagnosis of occult cancer, enabling prompt initiation of immune therapies.