What are striated skeletal muscle antibodies?

Anti-striated skeletal muscle antibodies are autoantibodies which target components of skeletal muscle. The presence of these antibodies is associated with the neuromuscular autoimmune condition Myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis is a rare neuromuscular condition which causes muscle weakness. The disease is caused by the immune system erroneously producing antibodies which lead to the destruction of components of neuromuscular junctions.

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis typically present in muscles controlling the eyes, face and swallowing. These often manifest as droopy eyelids, double vision, difficulty making facial expressions, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing.  

Why take the test?

This test screens for the presence of anti-striated skeletal muscle antibodies. It is typically used to diagnose and monitor the autoimmune condition myasthenia gravis.