Studies have demonstrated that IgA endomysial antibody tests have >99% specificity for gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Recently, the endomysial antigen has been identified as the protein cross-linking enzyme known as tissue transglutaminase (tTG).
Useful for:
- Evaluating patients suspected of having celiac disease, including patients with compatible clinical symptoms, patients with atypical symptoms, and individuals at increased risk (family history, previous diagnosis with associated disorder, positivity for HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8)
- Screening test for dermatitis herpetiformis, in conjunction with endomysial antibody test
- Monitoring adherence to gluten-free diet in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease
