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Updated: May 30, 2026

Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: March 4, 2014
Double trouble: spinal muscular atrophy type II and seropositive myasthenia gravis in the same patient
Manu Jokela1, Bjarne Udd, Markku Päivärinta
1Department of Neurology, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland. mejoke@utu.fi
Abstract:
Autosomal recessive proximal spinal muscular atrophy is caused by deletions in the survival of motor neuron (SMN1) gene, while autoimmune myasthenia gravis is an acquired disorder. An association between these two diseases has not been reported. Our patient with intermediate spinal muscular atrophy (SMA type II) did not need alimentary or respiratory aid until age 51 when he suddenly developed bulbar weakness and respiratory insufficiency. Seropositive myasthenia gravis was confirmed and the corresponding symptoms resolved on treatment.
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