title: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Myasthenia Gravis: An Unusual Association.
abstract: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrosing lung condition with high morbidity and mortality, accounting for about 25% of the cases of interstitial lung diseases. It usually has a progressive course resulting in death due to respiratory failure. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease, caused by antibody mediated activity against acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction. It is characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue. Extensive literature search did not reveal any case report of an association between these two conditions. Here we present a case of a patient with IPF who also developed MG. The diagnosis of IPF was based on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the lung and that of MG was based on clinical criteria and electrophysiological testing. The case was successfully managed.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Bharti
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chogtu
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Student, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Daliparty Vasudev
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Magazine
keywords: Interstitial pneumonia; N-acetyl cysteine; Repetitive nerve stimulation