Myasthenia gravis crisis: A case report

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease targeting the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors, which typically presents with fatigue symptoms relieved by rest and is often associated with a thymoma. Myasthenic crisis requires intubation and ventilation, and only 2–3% of MG patients are admitted with crisis per year. Impeding crisis may have a presentation of dyspnea, bulbar symptoms, or both together, requiring immediate attention. Case Report: We present a seropositive patient without a thymoma, who presented multiple times with dyspnea, which led to anxiety-triggered crisis within minutes. The patient experienced the crisis within two years of being diagnosed with MG, and required intensive care unit (ICU) care for five days, including intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and steroids. Conclusion: The importance of symptomatic assessment is crucial to avoid and treat myasthenic crisis. Approximately 13–20% of patients, who experience a myasthenic crisis, have it as their initial presentation upon diagnosis, and require ICU care and intubation.