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Myasthenia gravis mimicking stroke in elderly patients
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lahey-Hitchcock Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|November 18, 1998
Summary
Myasthenia gravis can be misdiagnosed as stroke in elderly patients due to vague symptoms. Early consideration of myasthenia gravis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis is a common neuromuscular transmission disorder.
- Diagnosis can be challenging in elderly patients with comorbidities and nonspecific symptoms.
Observation:
- Two elderly women were initially misdiagnosed with ischemic stroke.
- Radiographic findings of stroke were considered confirmatory, overlooking myasthenia gravis.
Findings:
- Silent cerebrovascular disease in the elderly can lead to misinterpretation of neuroimaging.
- Myasthenia gravis affects 13-20% of patients in their seventh decade or beyond.
Implications:
- Misdiagnosis as stroke can lead to harmful treatments like thrombolysis.
- Clinicians must consider myasthenia gravis in elderly patients presenting with new-onset weakness, especially cranial.