DISEASE

Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by weakness and tiredness in the skeletal muscles.

Indications: Suspicion of myasthenia gravis or thymoma.

Antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor are crucial for the pathogenesis and prevent the neuromuscular transmission. About 90% of the patients with myasthenia gravis are positive for anti-AChR. Among the seronegative patients some exhibit antibodies against muscle-specifi c tyrosine kinase receptor (MuSK), which supports the diagnosis. The clinical picture is the same for seropositive as for seronegative patients. Antibodies against titin and striated muscle may sometimes be detected in patients with myasthenia gravis and is associated with an increased incidence of thymoma. An additional marker for strong association with thymoma in Myasthenia Gravis are the ryanodin receptor antibodies. Serological investigation of Myasthenia gravis. IMAGE