The measurement of endomysial antibodies is used to diagnose dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease and to monitor patients' compliance with the gluten-free diet.
Gliadin and gluten are proteins mainly found in wheat and wheat products. Patients suffering from celiac disease (or otherwise gluten enteropathy) cannot tolerate the consumption of these proteins or any products containing wheat (as well as barley and rye). These proteins act toxic to the mucosa of the small intestine and cause characteristic pathological lesions. Patients with celiac disease develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms of malabsorption. The only effective celiac disease treatment is abstaining from wheat and wheat-containing products.
When a patient with celiac disease consumes foods containing wheat (or barley or rye), gluten and gliadin accumulate in the intestinal mucosa. These proteins (and their metabolites) cause immediate mucosal damage. In addition, IgA immunoglobulins against gliadin, endomysium, and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) are expressed in the intestinal mucosa and serum of patients. Identifying specific antibodies in the blood of patients with malabsorption is very useful in supporting the diagnosis of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. However, a definitive diagnosis of celiac disease can only be made when the characteristic pathological intestinal lesions of the celiac disease are found (by biopsy). Also, the patient's symptoms should improve with a special gluten-free restrictive diet. Both of the above conditions are necessary for the diagnosis of the disease.
Due to the high specificity of IgA antibodies against endomysium (EMA) for celiac disease, this test may prevent the need for multiple small bowel biopsies to confirm the diagnosis, especially for pediatric patients, including the evaluation of children with developmental problems.
The determination of these antibodies in patients with celiac disease can be used to monitor disease progression and compliance with dietary guidelines. In addition, these antibodies are indicative of successful treatment because they become negative in patients on a gluten-free diet.
See also
- Deamidated Gliadin Peptides (DGP), IgA Antibodies
- Deamidated Gliadin Peptides (DGP), IgG Antibodies
- Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG), IgA Antibodies
- Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG), IgG Antibodies
- Celiac Disease, Genetic Testing
- Celiac Disease, Basic Profile
- Celiac Disease, Extended Profile
- Gluten Sensitivity Testing, Comprehensive Profile
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70% and 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory, and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
