Is myasthenia gravis related to Grave?

Answer 1

Both myasthenia gravis (MG) and Graves disease (GD) are autoimmune diseases. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by impaired transmission of the neural stimuli to the muscles due to circulating antibodies anti-acetylcholine receptor. Graves disease is autoimmune hyperthyroidism due to antibodies anti-TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) receptor. The prevalence of auoimmune thyroid diseases in MG is about 5-10%. The incidence of MG in GD is fairly low: aprox 0,2%. One problem is the overlapping of the symptoms which may cause diagnostic confusion. Not only clinical manifestation but also some morphological aspects, like thymus hyperplasia confirmed by thoracic CT are shared by the 2 diseases. Generally, only mild forms of MG (especially ocualr form) are associateed with GD. When in fact it was a myasthenia-like syndrome as a manifestation of GD remission of GD will cure MG-like symptoms also.