Late onset generalized myasthenia gravis presenting with facial weakness and bulbar signs without extraocular muscle involvement

Neurol Sci. 2009 Aug;30(4):343-4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-009-0095-x. Epub 2009 May 30.

Abstract

Bilateral facial palsy is a common sign of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG). However, facial muscle weakness without clinical signs of extraocular muscle (EOM) involvement is extremely rare. We describe a late onset generalized MG presenting with facial weakness and bulbar signs without EOM deficits. The diagnosis was based on neurophysiological assessment and positive acetylcholine receptor antibody titer. Thymoma was excluded. The clinical response to corticosteroids, pyridostigmine and intravenous immunoglobulin was complete. EOM weakness was never observed during a 3-year follow-up, also during a later exacerbation of MG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Dysphonia / etiology
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Facial Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Facial Nerve / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide
  • Prednisone