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Myasthenia gravis presenting with dysphagia and postoperative ventilatory failure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. M. Haider-Ali ,
F. B. MacGregor  and
M. Stewart
A. M. Haider-Ali*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
F. B. MacGregor
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
M. Stewart
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Ahmad M. Haider-Ali, 1/2 219 Berkeley Street, Glasgow G3 7HH. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

We report a case of myasthenia gravis presenting to the department of otolaryngology with acute dysphagia on two separate occasions over a one-year period. Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was made when the patient developed ventilatory failure after his second general anaesthetic for rigid oesophagoscopy. Our patient required emergency transfer to the intensive therapy unit for ventilation. He improved after treatment with corticosteroids, anticholinesterase and immunosuppressive medications. Our case was unusual in that cricopharyngeal spasm causing dysphagia and significant aspiration was demonstrated by a barium swallow and this was completely resolved after treatment of the myasthenia gravis.

Keywords

DysphagiaMyasthenia gravisRespiratory failure
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 112 , Issue 12 , December 1998 , pp. 1194 - 1195
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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References

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