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MuSK Myasthenia Gravis Presenting with Bilateral Vocal Cord Abduction Paresis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Neurologist 2021; 26:175-177. [PMID: 34491934 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 39% to 49% of patients with previously diagnosed acetylcholine receptor antibody-negative myasthenia gravis have been found to be muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive. These patients have a presentation that typically includes oculobulbar weakness, poorer response to cholinesterase inhibitors, and higher risk for acute clinical decompensation that necessitates plasma exchange. MuSK patients can require more aggressive maintenance immunosuppression earlier-on to maintain stability, often with rituximab. CASE REPORT The authors report the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with months of worsening hoarseness and exertional dyspnea. Laryngoscopy revealed limited abduction of vocal cords bilaterally as the source of the complaint. Examination revealed ophthalmoparesis and fatigable proximal muscle weakness. She was found to have elevated MuSK antibodies that, along with evidence of neuromuscular junction transmission defect on nerve conduction studies, confirmed the diagnosis of MuSK myasthenia gravis. She experienced no improvement with pyridostigmine and decompensated despite receiving oral steroids, requiring intubation. However, she dramatically improved with plasma exchange and has since been doing well on rituximab therapy. CONCLUSION Dysphonia with hoarse quality secondary to vocal cord abduction paresis is a rare presentation of myasthenia gravis, as opposed to the typical flaccid dysarthria seen in bulbar myasthenia and should raise suspicion for MuSK antibody positivity. MuSK myasthenia gravis cases can be more refractory to treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors and are more likely to cause exacerbations and myasthenia crisis. Therefore, early and accurate diagnosis with appropriate antibody testing is imperative to avoid delays in treatment to prevent potentially life-threatening outcomes.
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Arman S, Kock N, Mochloulis G, Kanabar G. Bilateral vocal fold paresis: the only presenting sign of anti-MUSK antibody myasthenia gravis. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/1/e234070. [PMID: 33436356 PMCID: PMC7805349 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-234070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A previously fit and well 53-year-old man was referred to the otolaryngology clinic with intermittent stridor and was found to have bilateral vocal fold paresis. Subsequent airway compromise necessitated emergency surgical tracheostomy. The man was discharged home with tracheostomy in situ and a diagnosis of idiopathic bilateral vocal cord palsy, as all primary investigations were negative. Neurological disease was suspected following readmission to hospital several weeks later with diplopia. Electromyography and serum antibody testing confirmed a diagnosis of anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG); a subset of MG where autoantibodies are directed against MuSK. Resolution of bilateral vocal fold paresis was found 8 months after a short course of immunoglobulin (intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)) and daily mycophenolate therapy was commenced. Multidisciplinary teamwork between ear, nose and throat surgeons, neurologists and speech therapists enabled successful decannulation of tracheostomy. The patient has recovered well and remains minimally symptomatic.
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Nelke C, Labeit B, Meuth SG, Warnecke T, Dziewas R, Ruck T. Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Front Neurol 2020; 11:581060. [PMID: 33178124 PMCID: PMC7593483 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.581060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To prevent severe and potentially life-threatening consequences of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP), the identification and management of reversible causes is pivotal. Myasthenia gravis (MG) presenting with BVFP is rarely reported and remains incompletely understood. Although symptom control is achievable for most MG patients with sufficient therapy, atypical clinical presentation such as BVFP might preclude diagnosis and thus effective treatment. Here, we present a case of BVFP as leading manifestation of MG successfully treated with plasmapheresis. Moreover, we performed a literature review of the few existing cases reported between 1980 and 2020 indicating that elderly patients are particularly at risk for MG presenting with severe BVFP and that edrophonium testing with fiber optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) might be valuable for establishing the diagnosis. We conclude that clinicians should consider MG as possible and reversible cause for BVFP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tobias Ruck
- Clinic of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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Ancans G, Zentina D, Kravale Z. Pneumonia and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Breathe (Sheff) 2019; 15:e117-e121. [PMID: 31777574 PMCID: PMC6876134 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0169-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 75-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department after she was found unconscious at her house. She had had a productive cough and fever up to 39°C for the previous 4 days. She had a past medical history of high blood pressure, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes (without insulin therapy), and was regularly taking bisoprolol, propafenone, atorvastatin, metformin and aspirin. She was a nonsmoker and had no occupational exposures. Can you diagnose this patient presenting with pneumonia and hypercapnic respiratory failure?http://bit.ly/2zz53zO
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Rivner MH, Pasnoor M, Dimachkie MM, Barohn RJ, Mei L. Muscle-Specific Tyrosine Kinase and Myasthenia Gravis Owing to Other Antibodies. Neurol Clin 2019; 36:293-310. [PMID: 29655451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Around 20% of patients with myasthenia gravis are acetylcholine receptor antibody negative; muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies (MuSK) were identified as the cause of myasthenia gravis in 30% to 40% of these cases. Anti MuSK myasthenia gravis is associated with specific clinical phenotypes. One is a bulbar form with fewer ocular symptoms. Others show an isolated head drop or symptoms indistinguishable from acetylcholine receptor-positive myasthenia gravis. These patients usually respond well to immunosuppressive therapy, but not as well to cholinesterase inhibitors. Other antibodies associated with myasthenia gravis, including low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Rivner
- EMG Lab, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BP-4390, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Mamatha Pasnoor
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Mazen M Dimachkie
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3599 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 2012, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Richard J Barohn
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 4017, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Lin Mei
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CA-2014, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Jiménez Caballero P, Fermin Marrero J, Trigo Bragado I, Casado Naranjo I. Parálisis de cuerdas vocales como forma de presentación de miastenia gravis con anticuerpos anti-MuSK. Neurologia 2014; 29:253-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Jiménez Caballero P, Fermin Marrero J, Trigo Bragado I, Casado Naranjo I. Vocal cord paralysis as a manifestation of myasthenia gravis with anti-MuSK antibodies. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Evoli A, Alboini PE, Bisonni A, Mastrorosa A, Bartoccioni E, Bartocccioni E. Management challenges in muscle-specific tyrosine kinase myasthenia gravis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1274:86-91. [PMID: 23252901 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06781.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis with antibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK-MG) is generally considered a severe disease because of the associated weakness distribution with prevalent involvement of bulbar muscles and a rapidly progressive course and early respiratory crises. Its treatment can be unrewarding, owing to poor response to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in most patients, disease relapses in spite of high-dose immunosuppression, and development of permanent bulbar weakness. High-dose prednisone plus plasma exchange is the recommended approach for treating rapidly progressive bulbar weakness. In the disease management, oral steroids proved effective, plasma exchange produced marked, albeit short-term, improvement, while conventional immunosuppressants were comparatively less effective. Rituximab is a promising treatment for refractory MuSK-MG; in uncontrolled studies, nearly all treated patients achieved significant improvement with substantial decrease of medication. It is yet to be clarified whether the early use of rituximab could prevent the permanent bulbar weakness, which constitutes a relevant disability in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Evoli
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Blitzer A, Crumley RL, Dailey SH, Ford CN, Floeter MK, Hillel AD, Hoffman HT, Ludlow CL, Merati A, Munin MC, Robinson LR, Rosen C, Saxon KG, Sulica L, Thibeault SL, Titze I, Woo P, Woodson GE. Recommendations of the Neurolaryngology Study Group on laryngeal electromyography. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2009; 140:782-793. [PMID: 19467391 PMCID: PMC2758662 DOI: 10.1016/j.otohns.2009.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Neurolaryngology Study Group convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts in neuromuscular physiology, electromyography, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, and laryngology to meet with interested members from the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Neurolaryngology Subcommittee and the Neurolaryngology Study Group to address the use of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for electrodiagnosis of laryngeal disorders. The panel addressed the use of LEMG for: 1) diagnosis of vocal fold paresis, 2) best practice application of equipment and techniques for LEMG, 3) estimation of time of injury and prediction of recovery of neural injuries, 4) diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases of the laryngeal muscles, and, 5) differentiation between central nervous system and behaviorally based laryngeal disorders. The panel also addressed establishing standardized techniques and methods for future assessment of LEMG sensitivity, specificity and reliability for identification, assessment and prognosis of neurolaryngeal disorders. Previously an evidence-based review of the clinical utility of LEMG published in 2004 only found evidence supported that LEMG was possibly useful for guiding injections of botulinum toxin into the laryngeal muscles. An updated traditional/narrative literature review and expert opinions were used to direct discussion and format conclusions. In current clinical practice, LEMG is a qualitative and not a quantitative examination. Specific recommendations were made to standardize electrode types, muscles to be sampled, sampling techniques, and reporting requirements. Prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of LEMG. Use of the standardized methods and reporting will support future studies correlating electro-diagnostic findings with voice and upper airway function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roger L. Crumley
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and neck Surgery, University of California-Irvine, CA
| | - Seth H. Dailey
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Charles N. Ford
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Mary Kay Floeter
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Allen D. Hillel
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Henry T. Hoffman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Christy L. Ludlow
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Albert Merati
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Michael C. Munin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lawrence R. Robinson
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Clark Rosen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Keith G. Saxon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - Lucian Sulica
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, NYC, NY
| | - Susan L. Thibeault
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | - Peak Woo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Gayle E. Woodson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL
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Oh SJ. Muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis current status. J Clin Neurol 2009; 5:53-64. [PMID: 19587811 PMCID: PMC2706412 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2009.5.2.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle-specific tyrosine-kinase-antibody-positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG) has emerged as a distinct entity since 2001. This disease has been reported worldwide, but with varying rates among patients with generalized acetylcholine-receptor-antibody-negative MG. MuSK-MG was detected in approximately 37% of generalized acetylcholine receptor antibody-negative MG. MuSK-MG patients were predominantly female with more prominent facial and bulbar involvement and more frequent crises. Disease onset tended to be earlier. Patients tended to have a relatively poor edrophonium response but showed prominent decrement in the repetitive nerve stimulation test in the facial muscles. Patients were more likely to display poor tolerance of, or a lack of improvement with, anticholinesterase agents. Somewhat better response was observed with steroids and plasma exchange. Most were managed successfully with aggressive immunomodulatory therapies, although a higher proportion of MuSK-MG patients had a refractory course when compared with other forms of generalized MG. I present here an up-to-date overview on MuSK-MG based on our experience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Joong Oh
- Distinguished Professor of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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