Case report: a case of bladder dysfunction due to myasthenia gravis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology

Background:

• Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder affecting neuromuscular junctions.
• Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a rare complication of MG, with few reported cases.
• Understanding the urological manifestations of MG is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

• A woman diagnosed with myasthenia gravis presented with symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction.
• Clinical evaluation revealed significant detrusor underactivity and elevated post-void residual urine volumes.
• This presentation suggests a potential link between MG and acquired bladder dysfunction.

Findings:

• The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with detrusor underactivity.
• Increased post-void residual urine was a key finding, indicating incomplete bladder emptying.
• The case adds to the limited literature on de novo detrusor underactivity in myasthenia gravis patients.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering urological complications in patients with myasthenia gravis.
• Early diagnosis and management of detrusor underactivity in MG patients can prevent complications.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and prevalence of DU in MG.