title: Acquired myasthenia gravis.
abstract: Myasthenia gravis, an antibody-mediated disorder of neuromuscular transmission that produces clinical weakness, may be ocular or generalized. Clinical diagnostic evaluation may be supplemented by electrophysiologic studies and antibody testing. Therapeutic options, including anticholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressive agents, plasmapheresis and thymectomy, are tailored for the individual patient. This article emphasizes the key aspects of the clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Massey
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009045:Motor Endplate / Q000276:immunology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic