Delayed Diagnosis of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes Erroneously Interpreted as Mitochondrial Myopathies

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) and primary mitochondrial myopathies (PMMs) can present with ptosis, external ophthalmoplegia, and limb weakness.

Our method involved the description of three cases of CMS that were initially characterized as probable PMM.

All patients were male and presented with ptosis and/or external ophthalmoplegia at birth, with proximal muscle weakness and fatigue on physical exertion. After normal repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) studies performed on facial muscles, a muscle biopsy (at a median age of 9) was performed to rule out congenital myopathies. In all three cases, the biopsy findings (COX-negative fibers or respiratory chain defects) pointed to PMM. They were referred to our neuromuscular unit in adulthood to establish a genetic diagnosis. However, at this time, fatigability was evident in the physical exams and RNS in the spinal accessory nerve showed a decremental response in all cases. Targeted genetic studies revealed pathogenic variants in the MUSK, DOK7, and RAPSN genes. The median diagnostic delay was 29 years. Treatment resulted in functional improvement in all cases.

Early identification of CMS is essential as medical treatment can provide clear benefits. Its diagnosis can be challenging due to phenotypic overlap with other debilitating disorders. Thus, a high index of suspicion is necessary to guide the diagnostic strategy.