Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis after removal of a thymoma having a membrane phenotype of suppressor T cells.
We describe a case of myasthenia gravis associated with a thymoma having a membrane phenotype of suppressor T cells, as defined by monoclonal antibodies. Thymectomy resulted in exacerbation of the disease, a drastic increase in serum acetylcholine receptor-antibody titer, and a decrease of the circulating suppressor T cell population. The findings indicate that the etiopathogenic relationship between the thymus and myasthenia gravis is variable and complex.
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010641:Phenotype; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000032:analysis; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000145:classification*; D013934:Thymectomy; D013945:Thymoma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic