Myasthenia Gravis, Thymoma, and Thymectomy: The Clinical Interplay

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that places patients in debilitating condition. It currently affects 14 to 20 per 100,000 population. Its pathogenesis involves the destruction of acetylcholine receptor by antibodies produced by lymphocytes in the thymus gland. Symptoms could vary from impair extraocular muscles to generalized weakness. The antibodies have also been reported to affect other muscle structure within the body such as cardiomyocytes, leading to arrhythmia episodes which could be fatal. This review is a student project and involves the assessment of myasthenia gravis and the interplay between thymoma and thymectomy.