Undiagnosed myasthenia gravis masquerading as eclampsia.
This case describes an apparently healthy 21-year-old parturient who presented at term with a prolapsed cord requiring immediate cesarean section. She experienced postoperative seizures. After a presumptive diagnosis of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate was given. During a complicated postoperative course, ventilatory failure necessitating multiple intubations eventually led to a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. This report describes how the signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis may mimic post-partum eclampsia as well as worsen the side effects of magnesium therapy.
Mueksch
J N
JN
Department of Anesthesiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. JM67@Drexel.edu
Stevens
W A
WA
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D002585:Cesarean Section; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate