D-penicillamine Induced Myasthenia Gravis in Wilson's Disease: A Case Report

JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2022 Jul 1;60(251):644-647. doi: 10.31729/jnma.7607.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular junction disorder characterised by fluctuating muscle weakness, improved by using anti-cholinesterase drugs. In addition to the autoimmune aetiology, various factors such as infections, surgery, and drugs are known to precipitate the condition. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy with D-penicillamine-induced myasthenia gravis who presented with facial diplegia, dysphagia, and drooling of saliva, 6 years after the initiation of treatment for Wilson's disease. Therefore, clinicians should be more vigilant while prescribing patients with chelating drugs like D-penicillamine with regular monitoring of the new symptoms and keeping a very low threshold for the suspicion of myasthenia gravis.

Keywords: d-penicillamine; myasthenia gravis; pyridostigmine; Wilson's disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration* / complications
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration* / diagnosis
  • Hepatolenticular Degeneration* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / chemically induced
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / diagnosis
  • Penicillamine / adverse effects

Substances

  • Penicillamine