Myocardial pathology associated with myasthenia gravis

Myasthenic crisis-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in an elderly man: A case report of an underestimated but deadly combination

BACKGROUND

Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) are at a higher risk of developing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), particularly during a myasthenic crisis. Myasthenic crisis-associated TTC occurs predominantly in women. In this case report, we present a man with metastasized prostate carcinoma who developed TTC after new-onset MG.

CASE SUMMARY

An 81-year-old man with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and metastasized prostate carcinoma presented with dyspnea. During primary assessment examination at the emergency department, there was evident blepharoptosis of his right eye. His electrocardiograms were suggestive of an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction, for which he underwent emergency coronary angiography. No obstructive coronary artery disease was found. During the coronary angiography, the patient developed respiratory failure and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for non-invasive respiratory support. The following day, diagnostic neostigmine test revealed a myasthenic crisis. Bedside echocardiography revealed left ventricular apical ballooning with a typical appearance of TTC. Despite the potentially reversible character of both MG and TTC, the patient and family requested an end of support in the Intensive Care Unit due to age and chronic malignancy with reduced quality of life in recent months after non-chemo-responding prostate carcinoma. The patient died soon after treatment withdrawal.

CONCLUSION

Elderly men should be carefully evaluated for TTC when new-onset MG is diagnosed.