Myasthenia gravis occurring in twins.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease.
• Twin studies are valuable for investigating the genetic components of diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe cases of myasthenia gravis in twins.
• To explore the potential genetic contribution to myasthenia gravis pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two sets of twins with myasthenia gravis.
• Review of existing literature on myasthenia gravis in twins.

Main Results:

• One case involved monozygotic twins, where only one twin had myasthenia gravis.
• The second case involved dizygotic twins, with only one twin affected.
• Literature review indicated myasthenia gravis in both members of some monozygotic twin sets, but not dizygotic sets.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a potential genetic predisposition in the development of myasthenia gravis.
• Familial occurrence and higher concordance in monozygotic twins support a genetic factor in MG pathogenesis.