Pericarditis in myasthenia gravis

Cardiol Rev. 2004 May-Jun;12(3):134-7. doi: 10.1097/01.crd.0000117762.62596.8d.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder with antibodies to the acetylcholine receptors (Ach R) in skeletal muscles. Myocardial involvement can present as a myocarditis or with arrhythmias. To our knowledge, there is no documentation in the literature of pericardial involvement in myasthenia gravis. We report the presence of pericardial effusion and atrioventricular conduction block in a patient with myasthenia gravis that responded appropriately to immunosuppressive therapy and plasma exchanges.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Heart Block / diagnosis
  • Heart Block / etiology
  • Heart Block / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications*
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology
  • Pericardial Effusion / therapy
  • Pericarditis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pericarditis / etiology*
  • Pericarditis / therapy
  • Plasma Exchange / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents