Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction (communication between nerves and muscles) characterized by rapid fatigue and weakness of any of the muscles. On this occasion, Dr. Juan Velásquez, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the subject.

Causes

The cause is not exactly known, although the finding of antibodies presupposes an autoimmune basis; which means that by mistake the immune system may fail to recognize, attack and destroy some component of the body’s own tissues.

Symptoms

Myasthenia gravis affects the muscles of different parts of the body, generating the following symptoms:

• Eyes: Double vision and drooping of one or both eyelids
• Throat: Difficulty swallowing, speaking and chewing
• Face: Change in facial expression
• Neck: Difficulty supporting the head
• Limbs: Weakness in the legs and difficulty walking

Diagnosis

Myasthenia Gravis can be diagnosed in the following ways:

• With a pharmacological test (edrophonium)
• With electromyography studies
• With the determination of antibody studies

Risk factors

No risk factors are known to date

Complications

Myasthenia gravis can cause involvement of the muscles that control breathing, as well as autoimmune conditions.

Treatment

Medical treatment begins with anticholinesterase drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. In addition, there is the use of the plasmapheresis technique and administration of immunoglobulins.

On the other hand, there is also surgical treatment, which consists of the removal of the thymus (thymectomy) that improves the course of the disease.

Dr. Juan Velásquez
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma