ABSTRACT
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence
of pathogenic antibodies directed against the acetylcholine receptor. Patients present
with variable degrees and distribution of fluctuating weakness, at times life-threatening.
Clinical manifestations, establishment of diagnosis, the natural history of MG, and
therapeutic options are herein reviewed with an emphasis on pearls and pitfalls of
clinical relevance. Far less common is Lambert-Eaton syndrome (the myasthenic syndrome),
another autoimmune disorder due to the presence of antibodies directed against the
PQ-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Clinical features and treatment issues of
these and other disorders of neuromuscular transmission are reviewed.
KEYWORD
Myasthenia gravis - Lambert-Eaton syndrome - plasma exchange - immunotherapy of neuromuscular
disease - botulism - tick paralysis
