Myasthenia gravis--a rare presentation with tongue atrophy and fasciculation.
We report the case of an unusual presentation of myasthenia gravis with tongue atrophy and fasciculation. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition associated with weakness and fatigability of voluntary muscles. In >50%, the initial symptoms and signs are related to extraocular muscle weakness, such as diplopia or ptosis [Tsung K, Seggev JS. An unusual cause of dysphagia. West J Med 1995; 163: 159-60]. Rarely, it is known to affect bulbar muscles and can lead to dysphagia and respiratory compromise.
Burch
J
J
Elderly Medicine Directorate, University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK. jessiburch@doctors.org.uk
Warren-Gash
C
C
Ingham
V
V
Patel
M
M
Bennett
D
D
Chaudhuri
K R
KR
D000368:Aged; D001284:Atrophy; D018450:Disease Progression; D005207:Fasciculation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications*; D014059:Tongue / Q000473:pathology*; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology