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Review Article

Complicating autoimmune diseases in myasthenia gravis: a review

, , , &
Pages 362-368 | Received 16 Sep 2014, Accepted 21 Feb 2015, Published online: 27 Apr 2015
 

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease of skeletal muscle endplates. MG subgroup is relevant for comorbidity, but usually not accounted for. MG patients have an increased risk for complicating autoimmune diseases, most commonly autoimmune thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. In this review, we present concomitant autoimmune disorders associated with the different MG subgroups, and show how this influences treatment and prognosis. Concomitant MG should always be considered in patients with an autoimmune disorder and developing new neuromuscular weakness, fatigue or respiratory failure. When a second autoimmune disorder is suspected, MG should be included as a differential diagnosis.

Declaration of interest

This review was supported by European Federation of Neurological Societies Fellowship Programme. None declared.