Familial infantile myasthenia gravis. Report of three cases with follow-up until adult life
M. A. Gieron and J. K. Korthals
We describe three siblings with familial infantile myasthenia gravis
(FIMG). Contrary to previous reports suggesting a benign course of FIMG
beyond the infantile period, our two patients had severe respiratory
exacerbations in early adult life. Thymectomy was performed in the two more
affected siblings, with only brief beneficial effect in one and no
improvement in the other. Steroid therapy, employed in two patients who
underwent thymectomy, resulted in no long-term improvement. The third
patient has not required therapy. Recognition of FIMG has important
therapeutic implications, because this disease shows rather poor response
to thymectomy and steroid therapy.
