Pembrolizumab-Induced Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cureus. 2023 Jun 28;15(6):e41087. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41087. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is one of the most common neuromuscular adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and can result in significant morbidity and mortality when it affects the bulbar and respiratory muscles. Diagnosing immune-related MG (irMG) is challenging due to its nonspecific presentation and high negativity rate for MG antibody markers. Patients, primary care providers, and emergency care providers should be educated about MG as a potential adverse effect of ICIs for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Keywords: immune check point inhibitor adverse effects; immune check-point inhibitor; immune mediated myasthenia gravis; myasthenia from checkpoint therapy; neurologic toxicity of immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports