Myasthenia gravis accompanied by premature ovarian failure and aggravation by estrogen

Intern Med. 2010;49(6):611-3. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.2737. Epub 2010 Mar 15.

Abstract

The association of myasthenia gravis (MG) and premature ovarian failure (POF) has rarely been recognized, and the influence of hormone replacement therapy on MG in patients with POF has not been reported. We describe a patient diagnosed with MG and POF, whose myasthenic symptoms were precipitated by estrogen treatment. Such combined clinical symptoms of MG and POF may reflect potentially common autoimmune disease mechanisms, although the precise pathogenesis remains to be defined.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / blood
  • Estrogens / adverse effects*
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology*
  • Ovary / immunology
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / diagnosis*
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / drug therapy*
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / immunology
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Estrogens
  • Receptors, Cholinergic