miziA patient with autoimmune limb-girdle myasthenia, and a brief review of this treatable condition.

Publication date: Available online 23 April 2017
Source:Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
Author(s): Domizia Vecchio, Claudia Varrasi, Cristoforo Comi, Paolo Ripellino, Roberto Cantello
Limb-girdle myasthenia gravis (LGM) is an uncommon clinical picture related to an antibody-mediated blockage of the neuromuscular junction. We describe a 44-year old man who presented with a proximal limbs' weakness that resembled a myopathic disorder. The repetitive nerve stimulation at 3Hz showing a decremental response suggested myasthenia, that was confirmed by the presence of an increased titer of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChRAbs), and of hyperplastic foci at thymus histology. Symptomatic treatment with pyridostigmine was not effective, whereas the patient improved adding Azathioprine. In conclusion, a myopathic-like clinical picture in a adult could be caused by LMG. Thymus pathology, or (rarely) increased AChRAbs could support the diagnosis of LGM.



http://ift.tt/2panRBq