myasthenia gravis

Question 1

what is myasthenia gravis?

Answer 1

autoimmune disorder resulting in insufficient functioning acetylcholine receptors on muscle fibres

. Antibodies to acetylcholine receptors are seen in 85-90% of cases*. Myasthenia is more common in women (2:1)

Question 2

what are the signs and symptoms of MG?

Answer 2

muscles become progressively weaker during periods of activity and slowly improve after periods of rest:
extraocular muscle weakness: diplopia
proximal muscle weakness: face, neck, limb girdle
ptosis
dysphagia

Question 3

what is myasthenia gravis associated with?

Answer 3

thymomas in 15%
autoimmune disorders: pernicious anaemia, autoimmune thyroid disorders, rheumatoid, SLE
thymic hyperplasia in 50-70%