Childhood Graves disease masquerading as myasthenia gravis

J Child Neurol. 2013 Oct;28(10):1309-11. doi: 10.1177/0883073812457460. Epub 2012 Sep 4.

Abstract

We report a child presenting with intermittent ophthalmoplegia and fluctuating ptosis and facial weakness whose evaluation revealed no evidence of myasthenia gravis but did reveal hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves disease. Successful treatment of the child's endocrinopathy resulted in complete resolution of his presenting symptoms. Children presenting with ophthalmoplegia and ptosis without proptosis should be evaluated for hyperthyroidism if no evidence of a myopathy or disorder of neuromuscular junction transmission is found.

Keywords: Graves; Graves disease; hyperthyroidism; myasthenia gravis; ophthalmoplegia; ptosis; thyroid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Graves Disease / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*