Emergence of myasthenia gravis in dengue infection-first case report

Yue Hui Lau1, Suganthi Chinnasami2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, 23, Jalan Pahang, 50586, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. andrealau38@gmail.com.

Journal of Neurovirology
|February 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Dengue infection can cause rare neurological issues like myasthenia gravis. This case highlights dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) presenting with ptosis and dysphagia in an adult.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Dengue infection (DI) has been linked to atypical neurological manifestations since 1976.
  • Dengue virus serotypes 2 and 3 (DENV-2, DENV-3) are frequently associated with neurological complications.
  • DI increases the risk of 21 autoimmune diseases, with 4% developing neuromuscular issues.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy adult presented with bilateral ptosis and dysphagia.
  • The patient was diagnosed with dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) infection.

Findings:

  • This case represents a unique presentation of DENV-1 infection.
  • The observed symptoms suggest a potential link between DENV-1 and neuromuscular complications like myasthenia gravis.

Implications:

  • Understanding the neurotropic effects of dengue virus is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological complications.
  • Further research into the pathogenetic mechanisms of dengue-associated myasthenia gravis is warranted.
  • This case broadens the spectrum of neurological presentations associated with dengue virus infection.

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