A Case of Myasthenia Gravis

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Dr Amandeep Singh Kaloti

Myasthenia gravis is an acquired autoimmune disorder. It is clinically characterized by features like weakness of skeletal muscles and fatigability

on exertion. The first clinical description was in 1672 by Thomas Willis. In this condition, autoantibodies are directed against the acetylcholine

receptor at the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscles. It may be considered a B–cell mediated disease. Extra–ocular muscle weakness is

present in most of the patients. Progression occurs over weeks to months to severe weakness and respiratory muscle involvement. Here I report a

case of Myasthenia gravis who presented with drooping of eyelids, difficulty in swallowing and difficulty in speaking for the past 3 months. The

symptoms of the patient progressed to involve the respiratory muscles and the patient required mechanical ventilation. The patient was started on

Azathioprine and IVIg in addition to other treatments like Methylprednisolone and Pyridostigmine. The condition of the patient stabilized and was

weaned off the ventilator successfully in the next few days.