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Postinfectious myasthenia gravis: report of two children

Kevin J Felice1, Francis J DiMario, Stephen R Conway

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030-1840, USA. felice@nso.uchc.edu

Journal of Child Neurology
|June 23, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Transient myasthenia gravis can occur in children following viral infections. Symptoms resolved spontaneously, suggesting a temporary immune response possibly triggered by molecular mimicry.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
  • Viral infections are increasingly recognized as potential triggers for autoimmune conditions.
  • Transient forms of MG, particularly in children, warrant further investigation.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of transient myasthenia gravis following viral illnesses are presented.
  • Case 1: A 5-year-old boy with oculobulbar weakness post-varicella-zoster infection.
  • Case 2: A 4-year-old boy with facial diplegia and dysarthria post-viral pharyngitis.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis confirmed by electrophysiological studies and clinical response to pyridostigmine.
  • Both patients experienced gradual symptom resolution and no recurrence after pyridostigmine withdrawal.
  • Suggests a transient autoimmune process, potentially linked to viral triggers.

Implications:

  • Viral infections may precipitate a temporary autoimmune response targeting the acetylcholine receptor.
  • Molecular mimicry is a plausible mechanism for this pediatric MG variant.
  • Understanding this link can inform diagnosis and management of post-viral neurological complications.

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