Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
32.0K
Myasthenia Gravis Masquerading as Status Asthmaticus
Neha Pirwani1, Shayna Wrublik1, Shashikanth Ambati1
1Affiliated with Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA.
Case Reports in Pediatrics
|January 7, 2022
Summary
Juvenile myasthenia gravis can mimic asthma symptoms like shortness of breath, leading to misdiagnosis. Early recognition of neuromuscular signs like ptosis is crucial for timely treatment in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular transmission disorder causing skeletal muscle weakness.
- Juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) comprises 10-15% of cases, presenting diagnostic challenges due to varied symptoms.
- Dyspnea is a common pediatric complaint with a wide differential diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old female with asthma presented with acute shortness of breath, initially treated as status asthmaticus.
- The patient required mechanical ventilation and, post-extubation, exhibited persistent ptosis.
- Months of prior intermittent ptosis and fatigue were noted but previously undiagnosed.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with juvenile myasthenia gravis after presenting with respiratory distress.
- Delayed diagnosis occurred because symptoms were attributed to asthma exacerbation.
- Ptosis and fatigue were key indicators of the underlying neuromuscular condition.
Implications:
- Respiratory distress in asthmatic children may stem from non-airway conditions like myasthenia gravis.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to asthma overtreatment and delayed diagnosis of critical neuromuscular disorders.
- Increased clinical suspicion for JMG is warranted in pediatric patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and ptosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
2.1K
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...
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...
2.1K
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
1.5K
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...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
1.5K
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
2.7K
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
2.7K
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
1.2K
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...
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...
1.2K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
808
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
808
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
2.8K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
2.8K