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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2012; 120(05): 254-256
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1304598
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© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis and Graves’ Disease. Is there a link?

A. Polymeris
1   2nd Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, “Alexandra” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
,
E. Karoutsou
1   2nd Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, “Alexandra” General Hospital, Athens, Greece
,
K. Doumouchtsis
2   IKA, Ag Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 25 September 2011
first decision 02 January 2012

accepted 01 February 2012

Publication Date:
15 March 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Graves’ disease (GD) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are common autoimmune diseases but their coexistence is very rare. They may possibly share the same pathogenetic mechanisms. Recent research has shown the involvement of autoantibodies, lymphocytes, cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of MG and GD. It appears that Th17 cell lineage is involved in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and seems to be key factor in the development of both MG and GD.

A 34-year-old male with seronegative myasthenia gravis due to thymic hyperplasia was diagnosed with also GD and opthalmopathy. Several diagnostic and therapeutic issues regarding the relevant literature are discussed.

Key words

Graves-disease - Graves opthalmopathy - myasthenia Gravis - thymic hyperpalasia - periodic hypokalemic paralyis
 

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