Asian Journal of Case Reports in Medicine and Health

Myasthenia Gravis- a Disguised Cause of Recurrent Respiratory Failure: A Rare Case Treated Successfully at National Hospital Sri Lanka

M. N. S. K. Perera *

National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.

D. H. H. L. Sathischandra

National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.

I. A. Maharambe

National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.

N. M. Ellawala

National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease, due to the presence of antibodies against the proteins in the post-synaptic muscle membrane, which leads to localized or generalized muscle weakness.

Presentation of myasthenia gravis could vary from patient to patient, while ocular muscle weakness is the most common form.

Here, a case of a young male who presented with recurrent respiratory failure is reported.

He had respiratory failure as the only clinical manifestation of myasthenia gravis. It describes respiratory weakness as a rare isolated initial presentation of this disorder. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis of this condition, considering the variable presentations, to achieve a successful therapeutic outcome.

Keywords: Myasthenia gravis, respiratory failure, acetylcholine receptor antibodies

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