DIAGNOSTIC TEST 835

CASPR2 Antibodies (IgG)

Diagnostic test for antibodies against CASPR2. For suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis and Morvan’s Syndrome.

Indication

Suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis and Morvan’s Syndrome

Sample material

Serum

  • Minim. volume: 0.5 mL

CSF

  • Minim. volume: 0.5 mL

Transport

Within Sweden

  • room temperature

International

  • cold

Method

Cell-based assay (CBA), Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF)

Reference interval

Serum

  • <1:10 negative

CSF

  • negative

Result

Serum

  • results are reported as negative, borderline, or positive. A positive result is followed by a titer.

CSF

  • results are reported as negative or positive.

Interpretation

CASPR2 is a subunit of the potassium channel complex (VGKC) and is included in the group of extracellular antigens. Antibodies against CASPR2 may occur in neuromyotonia, autoimmune encephalitis, and Morvan Syndrome. There are relatively few cases published, where 85% have been men and the age of diagnosis has been 46-77 years (median 60 years). There is an association with malignancy, mainly thymoma. Antibody titers can be used to monitor treatment effectiveness.

Antibodies against CASPR2 are graded as Intermediate- or Lower-risk antibodies with a frequency of respectively 50% or <30% of underlying cancer. A positive result yields a 2 or 0 point PNS score, depending on the clinical phenotype, according to Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes.

References

  • Leypoldt F et al. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2015. Autoimmune encephalopathies. PMID: 25315420
  • Dalmau J et al. Physiol Rev. 2017. Autoantibodies to Synaptic Receptors and Neuronal Cell Surface Proteins in Autoimmune Diseases of the Central Nervous System. PMID: 28298428
  • Dalmau J et al. Lancet Neurol. 2019. An update on anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis for neurologists and psychiatrists: mechanisms and models. PMID: 31326280
  • Graus F et al. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2021. Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes. PMID: 34006622
  • Flanagan EP et al. JAMA Neurol. 2023. Autoimmune Encephalitis Misdiagnosis in Adults. PMID: 36441519

Included in these panels

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How to order

This test is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

  1. Print and complete the request form

    Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician.

  2. Prepare your samples

    Serum: At least 0.5 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).
    CSF: At least 0.5 mL CSF (polypropylene tubes).

  3. Send samples and request form

    Within Sweden
    Samples can be sent at room temperature to:
    Envelopes and smaller boxes:
    Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden

    Larger boxes and frozen samples:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

    International
    Send samples cold to:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

Read our sampling instructions for more information

Last updated: 2025-08-18