Thymomatous myasthenia gravis

J Assoc Physicians India. 1995 Aug;43(8):543-5.

Abstract

Ten cases of thymoma associated myasthenia were seen in the last 7 years. They constitute 17.2% of all cases of Myasthenia gravis seen during the same period. Five of these patients presented in the third decade, all of them presenting with acute generalised Myasthenia (Osserman stage-III). Two patients presented with tumour related symptoms of chest pain, cough and dyspnea both of them having large, invasive and partially resectable tumours. Five patients underwent complete thymectomy and 3 patients underwent partial resection of tumour. Two patients underwent radiotherapy subsequently. Histologically, mixed lymphoepithelial tumours were common (70%). Tumour recurrence was seen in one patient. Two patients died, one in the post operative period. The surviving 8 patients followed up over 1-8 years remained in partial remission, on maintenance dose of steroids. The special problems related to thymomatous MG and practical approach to management are highlighted.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Thymectomy
  • Thymoma / complications*
  • Thymoma / diagnosis
  • Thymoma / therapy
  • Thymus Neoplasms / complications*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Thymus Neoplasms / therapy