Concurrent Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis: the first case in Taiwan

Acta Neurol Taiwan. 2009 Sep;18(3):193-7.

Abstract

The concurrent development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG) is rare. It has been associated with molecular mimicry between infectious agents and self-antigens. Such antibodies may show cross-reactions against both myelin proteins of peripheral nerves and acetylcholine receptors of neuromuscular junctions. Thymoma-associated multi-organ autoimmunity may also play a role in initiating autoimmune process. We present such a case with the concurrent development of GBS and MG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Adult
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Female
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / complications*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology
  • Taiwan
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Keratins