Stiff-Person Syndrome with Anti-Amphiphysin Antibodies

A large study of patients with stiff-person syndrome refines the clinical features of patients with anti-amphiphysin antibodies, highlighting the very high frequency of breast cancer.

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive axial and limb muscle stiffness with superimposed episodic spasms that are often precipitated by sensory stimuli. Researchers recognized the association of SPS with blood antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 20 years ago and a much rarer association with anti-amphiphysin antibodies approximately 15 years ago. To refine understanding of the features of these conditions, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 621 patients with suspected SPS referred for serologic testing.

Of the 621 patients, 116 were found to have anti-GAD antibodies (112 had clinical data available) and 11 to have anti-amphiphysin antibodies. Anti-GAD SPS patients included men…

Reviewing Author

Steven A. Greenberg, MD

Stiff-Person Syndrome with Anti-Amphiphysin Antibodies

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Reviewing Author