Congenital myasthenia gravis

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2013 Jul;23(7):517-8.

Abstract

Congenital myasthenia gravis is caused by genetic mutations affecting neuromuscular transmission, characterized by muscle weakness usually starting in childhood. A two and a half years old male child presented with bilateral ptosis and hoarseness of voice. The symptoms progressed giving the clinical impression of congenital myasthenia gravis. A series of tests were done including Ice Pack Test, acetylcholine receptor antibody test, trial of steroids and finally neostigmine test which confirmed the diagnosis. This case illustrates the challenges in diagnosing congenital myasthenia gravis and highlights the potential benefits of neostigmine test in its diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital / drug therapy*
  • Neostigmine / blood
  • Neostigmine / immunology
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / blood
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Neostigmine
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide