Examinations
Examinations
Anti-Endomysial IgA Antibodies (EMA IgA) Test
Endomysium is a connective tissue layer surrounding individual skeletal muscle fibers. In certain autoimmune conditions, the immune system produces anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA), which target proteins in the endomysium.
Clinical Significance
- EMA antibodies (IgA and IgG) develop in celiac disease patients after consuming gluten-containing foods.
- EMA IgA is a highly specific marker for gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac disease) and is used as diagnostic evidence.
- Take the test at least 2 hours after the last meal.
- Avoid smoking for 3 hours before the test.
- Avoid physical and emotional stress for 1 hour before the test.
This test is recommended for patients with symptoms of celiac disease, including:
Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Bloating and excessive gas
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flatulence (gas)
Non-Digestive Symptoms (More Common in Adults):
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or softening of bones (osteomalacia)
- Itchy, blistering skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Mouth ulcers
- Headaches and fatigue
- Neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling in hands/feet, balance issues, cognitive difficulties)
- Joint pain
- Reduced spleen function (hyposplenism)
Elevated EMA IgA Levels:
- Strongly indicate celiac disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy).
- Test results correlate with gluten consumption (antibody titers decrease on a gluten-free diet).
- Also seen in dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin condition associated with gluten intolerance.
Negative EMA IgA Test:
- Suggests the absence of celiac disease.
- If suspicion remains, total IgA levels should be tested to rule out IgA deficiency, which can cause false-negative results.