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[Bronchial asthma complicated by myasthenia gravis]
Y Akiba1, T Takeuchi, K Nakanishi
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical Colleges, Japan.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|April 1, 1996
Summary
This case study highlights a patient with co-occurring bronchial asthma and myasthenia gravis. Findings suggest a potential link between respiratory muscle fatigue and asthma exacerbations in myasthenia gravis patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Neurology
Background:
- A 52-year-old woman presented with a 14-year history of stridor attacks, diagnosed as bronchial asthma.
- She also exhibited symptoms of myasthenia gravis, including ptosis, diplopia, and limb weakness, confirmed by a positive edrophonium test.
Observation:
- The edrophonium test, used for myasthenia gravis diagnosis, did not worsen asthma symptoms, but increased sputum and cough.
- Muscle fatigue, evidenced by decreased grip strength and arm elevation time, occurred after asthma attacks.
- Dyspnea and worsened pulmonary function were noted upon discontinuation of anti-cholinesterase inhibitors, suggesting respiratory muscle involvement.
Findings:
- Bronchial asthma and myasthenia gravis symptoms appeared to fluctuate in parallel.
- Respiratory muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis may contribute to asthma exacerbations and fatigue.
Implications:
- This case suggests a complex interplay between asthma and myasthenia gravis, particularly concerning respiratory muscle function.
- Further research into managing co-existing respiratory and neuromuscular conditions is warranted.