The endomysium is a thin connective tissue layer that covers individual muscle fibers. Anti-endomysial antibodies are developed in reaction to the ongoing damage to the intestinal lining. IgA class anti-endomysial antibodies are very specific, occurring only in celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis (a gluten-sensitive condition that causes an itchy, burning, blistering rash on the skin). Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease affecting the small intestinal mucosa of genetically predisposed individuals. This condition is due to intolerance to ingested gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Symptoms may include diarrhea, weight loss, retarded growth and anemia. This test may be ordered at intervals on patients who have been diagnosed with celiac disease to monitor compliance with a gluten-free diet and to help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment; antibody levels should FALL when gluten is removed from the diet. Other related tests: Gliadin, and Reticulin.