MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

Abstract

We here report the clinical course of an extremely severe case of myasthenia gravis, the effect of treatment on the disease and the postmortem results. The etiology is unknown and, although there is some agreement as to the primary microscopic changes in the muscle, each author finds multiple variations in the abnormality of the other organs and each seeks a new theory to explain the disease. Our report is unique in that we shall simply state the facts as we observed them and leave the speculation to others. <h3>REPORT OF CASE</h3><h3>History.—</h3> A graduate nurse, aged 27, single, referred to one of us (F. E. B.) with a provisional diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, complained chiefly of loss of weight, nervousness and vocal changes, which began approximately six months prior to admission to the hospital. Increasing fatigue was especially apparent when she walked any considerable distance; it was difficult to swallow or