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Related Concept Videos

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

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Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
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Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

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The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
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Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

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Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
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Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

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The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
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Related Experiment Video

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Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
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Myasthenia gravis and risks for comorbidity.

N E Gilhus1, A Nacu, J B Andersen

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.

European Journal of Neurology
|October 31, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease causing muscle weakness. Patients face risks of other autoimmune conditions, infections, and treatment side effects, requiring careful diagnosis and management.

Keywords:
autoimmune diseasecancercomorbidityheart diseasemyasthenia gravisrespiratory diseasethymoma

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

  • Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability.
  • MG is classified into subgroups based on autoantibodies, thymus pathology, and clinical presentation.
  • MG patients exhibit an increased risk for concordant autoimmune diseases, particularly early-onset MG.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of comorbidities associated with myasthenia gravis.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by comorbidities in MG patients.
  • To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and follow-up for coexisting conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on myasthenia gravis and its associated conditions.
  • Analysis of reported comorbidities, including autoimmune diseases, cancers, and infections.
  • Examination of treatment implications and safety of procedures like thymectomy.

Main Results:

  • Common comorbidities include thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • While some cardiac issues and cancers (lymphomas) are reported with increased frequency, they do not represent a major threat in most cases.
  • Severe muscle weakness increases risks of respiratory failure and infections; drug treatments can cause side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Non-MG-related comorbidities present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in elderly patients.
  • Thymectomy is generally a safe procedure with positive short- and long-term outcomes.
  • Optimal diagnostic accuracy and follow-up are crucial for managing the complex health needs of MG patients with comorbidities.