A case with myasthenia gravis (MG) emerging after splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): possible effects of thymectomy on autoantibodies.
The combination of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and myasthenia gravis (MG) has been reported infrequently. We report here the development of MG in a patient who underwent splenectomy for ITP ten years earlier, and describe the serum levels of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies (anti-AchR) and platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) followed over 11 years. The concentrations of both autoantibodies have been decreased after thymectomy, suggesting that this procedure is potentially beneficial for treating both MG and ITP.
Matsuno
S
S
Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Tamaoka
A
A
Yoshizawa
K
K
Watanabe
M
M
Shoji
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013156:Splenectomy; D013934:Thymectomy
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001323:Autoantibodies; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D011239:Prednisolone; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide