High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry in Myasthenia Gravis

1 October 2021, 9:19 EDT

Summary

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affects the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. In MG, antibodies bind to acetylcholine receptors inducing muscle weakness.


Original Article

High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry in Myasthenia Gravis

ACG Case Reports Journal

Torres-Barrera, Gustavo MD1; Herrera-Quiñones, Gilberto MD1; Scharrer, Susana Isabel MD1; Benavides-Salgado, Daniel Eduardo MD1; Maldonado-Garza, Hector Jesus MD1; Achem, Sami Rene MD, MACG2


Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that affects the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. In MG, antibodies bind to acetylcholine receptors inducing muscle weakness. The weakness typically increases with exercise and repetitive muscle use. Improvement of muscular weakness after rest and/or administration of anticholinesterase drugs (edrophonium) are characteristic of MG. We report a patient with unexplained dysphagia, dysphonia, and dysarthria, whose diagnosis was suggested by high-resolution esophageal motility and edrophonium infusion. We highlight the importance of dysphagia as presenting or dominant symptom in MG and review the esophageal motility findings in this rare, but treatable disorder.


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