Myasthenia gravis that has developed long after radical resection of lung cancer: A case report

Okauchi,Shinichiro; Shioya,Ayako; Iguchi,Kesato; Furukawa,Kinya; Satoh,Hiroaki

doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11492

Myasthenia gravis that has developed long after radical resection of lung cancer: A case report

Authors:
- Shinichiro Okauchi
- Ayako Shioya
- Kesato Iguchi
- Kinya Furukawa
- Hiroaki Satoh
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Affiliations: Division of Respiratory Medicine, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 3100015, Japan, Division of Neurology, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 3100015, Japan, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 3100015, Japan, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Ibaraki Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University, Ami, Ibaraki 3000395, Japan, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito, Ibaraki 3100015, Japan
Published online on: July 5, 2022 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11492
Article Number: 554

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Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common disorder of neuromuscular transmission and is a heterogeneous disorder generally caused by auto‑antibody to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The current study presented a rare case of MG that occurred a long time after surgical resection of lung cancer. A 58‑year‑old man with lung adenocarcinoma underwent upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. Severe myasthenic symptoms began 7 years after the operation, and emergent mechanical ventilation was needed because of myasthenic crises. Levels of serum anti‑acetylcholine receptor antibody were high and typical decremental responses to repetitive stimulation on electromyography were observed. Appropriate therapies for a severe acute condition were performed, and MG has been controlled for 6 years since then. There is no recurrence of lung cancer or appearance of thymoma. In conclusion, although very rare, physicians should be aware of MG as a potential comorbidity developing in patients with a history of lung cancer.

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