title: Myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
abstract: Myasthenia gravis is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of pathogenic antibodies directed against the acetylcholine receptor. Patients present with variable degrees and distribution of fluctuating weakness at times life threatening. Clinical manifestations, establishment of diagnosis, the natural history of myasthenia gravis, and therapeutic options are herein reviewed. Far less common is Lambert-Eaton syndrome (the myasthenic syndrome), another autoimmune disorder due to the presence of antibodies directed against the PQ-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Clinical features and treatment options are summarized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. rpascuzz@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Pascuzzi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D015624:Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010956:Plasmapheresis
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous