Description
A test of limited value. Antibodies to cardiac muscle are found in the post-myocardial infarction (Dressler’s) syndrome, post-cardiotomy syndrome, post-pericardial trauma syndrome and in some cardiomyopathies. The antibodies disappear on recovery or with steroid therapy and recur with relapses. Their diagnostic value is low being also detected after cardiac surgery and after acute rheumatic fever. Antigens reported to be recognised by anti-cardiac antibodies include a 30kDa adenine nucleotide transporter protein, tropomyosin and myosin heavy chains and heat shock proteins.
Indication
Detection of Dressler’s syndrome – post myocardial infarction.
Interpretation
90% sensitivity for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Sample
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Assay details
Indirect immunofluorescence primate tissue
Restrictions
Referred test
Reference range
Negative/positive
Turnaround time
28 days
Analysing laboratory
Sheffield Protein Reference Unit