Ma2/Ta Antibody, IgG by Immunoblot, Serum

IgG antibodies to Ma2/Ta are associated with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes with phenotypes most often including a combination of limbic encephalitis, diencephalic encephalitis, and brainstem encephalitis. Patients with anti-Ma2/Ta paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes should be thoroughly evaluated for cancer, including testicular cancer and adenocarcinoma, as neurologic symptoms often precede cancer diagnosis. Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has also been associated with an increased risk of anti-Ma2 paraneoplastic neurologic disease. Consider sending testing in CSF as well as serum to improve diagnostic yield. Results (positive or negative) should be interpreted in the context of the patient's complete clinical picture, as false positives may occur and a negative result does not exclude the diagnosis of paraneoplastic neurologic disease.