Myasthenia gravis associated with renal cell carcinoma: a paraneoplastic syndrome or just a coincidence

Yiming Zheng1, Jingjing Luo1, Haiqiang Jin1

  • 1Neurology Department, Peking University First Hospital, No.8 Xishiku Street, Beijing, 100034, China.

BMC Neurology
|July 13, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Myasthenia gravis (MG) can be linked to renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study found six cases where MG occurred with RCC, suggesting a potential paraneoplastic relationship requiring further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Myasthenia gravis (MG) is occasionally paraneoplastic, commonly associated with thymoma.
  • The relationship between MG and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not well-established.
  • This study investigates six cases of MG associated with RCC.

Observation:

  • Six patients with MG and RCC were identified between 2014-2019.
  • All patients were positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies.
  • The temporal relationship between MG onset and RCC diagnosis varied: post-surgery (3), pre-surgery (2), and synchronous (1).

Findings:

  • Four patients met criteria for possible paraneoplastic neurological syndromes.
  • One patient achieved complete remission of MG symptoms after nephrectomy.
  • MG may present as a paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with RCC.

Implications:

  • Patients with MG should be evaluated for other malignancies beyond thymoma, including RCC.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the paraneoplastic link between MG and RCC.
  • This association may inform diagnostic and treatment strategies for both conditions.

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