Repetitive nerve stimulation often fails to detect abnormal decrement in acute severe generalized Myasthenia Gravis

We assessed the diagnostic pattern of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) test and concentric electrode (CNE) jitter analysis between patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) with acute versus slow onset.

All examinations that established the diagnosis of GMG at the department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed from January 2012 to December 2014. Patients were grouped according to disease duration at neurophysiological evaluation: acute onset (<4weeks) or slow onset (⩾4weeks).

We identified 41 patients diagnosed with GMG. Of the nine patients with acute onset GMG (5 women) only one patient had abnormal decrement, whereas of the 32 patients with slow onset (13 women) 26 patients (84%) had abnormal decrement. CNE jitter was abnormal in all. AChR antibody status was comparable (78% versus 84%) whereas the MGFA class was higher in the acute onset group (range: 3A-5) compared to the slow onset group (range: 2A-3B).

RNS test is frequently normal in cases of acute severe GMG, including myasthenic crisis. Performing CNE jitter analysis is therefore of crucial importance for a correct early diagnosis.

MG patients with acute severe onset of bulbar or generalized fatigue often have normal findings on RNS test in proximal muscles.