Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Antibody Type 1 (PCA-1) Titer, Spinal Fluid

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC29786Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID PC1TCCPT Code 86256

Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Antibody Type 1 (PCA-1) Titer, Spinal Fluid

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for identifying female patients whose subacute cerebellar degeneration or peripheral neuropathy is due to a remote (autoimmune) effect of gynecologic or breast carcinoma. It reports an end titer result from spinal fluid specimens. Purkinje cell cytoplasmic autoantibody type 1 (PCA-1), also known as anti-Yo, is found in patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration associated with gynecological or breast carcinoma, and some patients with sensory, sensorimotor, or motor neuropathy.

Special Instructions

The test is only orderable as a reflex. If the indirect immunofluorescence pattern suggests Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibody type 1 (PCA-1), then this test will be performed at an additional charge. Serum is preferred, but spinal fluid testing is particularly useful when interfering antibodies are present in the serum.

Limitations

This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. PCA-1 is rarely found in male patients or in those with cerebellar ataxia associated with lung cancer. It is also not found in any healthy subjects or patients with neurologic diseases without gynecologic or breast cancer. Almost all (99%) seropositive patients are women. PCA-1 is distinguished from PCA-Tr and PCA-2 by standardized staining criteria. Complex patterns may be reported as 'uninterpretable.'

Test Details

New York Approved