TITLE:
Dysphagia as a Presenting Symptom of Myasthenia Gravis—Case Report
AUTHORS:
Sara Ramalho, Sandra Pereira, Pedro Oliveira, Hugo Morais, Nuno Lima, Artur Condé
KEYWORDS:
Autoimmunity; Dysphagia; Myasthenia Gravis
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery,
Vol.3 No.1,
January
9,
2014
ABSTRACT: Dysphagia is a
common symptom in otolaryngology, but neuromuscular causes are rarely
diagnostic hypotheses to be considered. The Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune
disease which is characterized by muscle weakness that can affect the muscles
of the face, oral cavity, pharynx or esophagus and may present with swallowing disorders. The authors present
the case of a 68-year-old man who went to the emergency department of
otolaryngology complaining of dysphagia. After the examination and diagnostic
exams, it was diagnosed as Myasthenia Gravis. The authors conclude that
the clinical suspicion should not be forgotten in order to initiate timely treatment
to the effective control of the disease and complement with functional tests
according to the complaints, so that it can be followed up and start
rehabilitation of the patient.