[Ocular myasthenia: a diagnostic and management challenge--a review].
BACKGROUND
Ocular myasthenia is a localised form of myasthenia clinically involving the extraocular muscles, the m. levator palpebrae superioris and the m. orbicularis oculi. Various symptoms can masquerade peripheral and supranuclear eye muscle palsies and ptosis.


METHODS
This literature review of recent years focuses on the diagnostic tests that may be helpful to confirm myasthenia especially in patients without acetylcholine receptor antibodies.


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular dysfunction accounts for 50-80% of the initial manifestation of myasthenia gravis. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests and treatment assessment are reviewed. Early recognition of the disease is important for better prognosis.
Universitäts-Augenklinik, Medizinische Universität Graz, Austria. andrea.langmann@uni-graz.at
Andrea
A
Langmann
Susanne
S
Lindner
Martina
M
Koch
Josef
J
Diez
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013934:Thymectomy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic