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Muscle Biopsy Experience in Myasthenia Gravis
GERALD M. FENICHEL, MD;
G. MILTON SHY, MD
Arch Neurol. 1963;9(3):237-243.
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Introduction
The histopathologic changes of skeletal muscle in patients with myasthenia gravis have been well documented in many large autopsy series. More recently, intravital staining and electron microscopy have demonstrated tissue alterations in the presynaptic portion of the neuromuscular junction.
The present study is designed to evaluate the usefulness of the muscle biopsy as a diagnostic aid in myasthenia gravis. In addition, the significance of some histological changes previously described will be reconsidered and discussed.
Methods
Muscle specimens from 37 patients with myasthenia gravis were examined in the study. The criteria for diagnosis were an appropriate history of muscle weakness and fatigue related to exercise and a response to anticholinesterase medication. No second disorder was present in any of these patients that might affect skeletal muscle. Specimens from patients with myasthenic syndromes secondary to carcinoma of the lung or thyrotoxicosis were excluded. Tables 1-3 summarize clinical information pertinent to the
. . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]
Author Affiliations
BETHESDA, MD
US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness, Medical Neurology Branch.
Footnotes
Submitted for publication April 20, 1963; accepted June 8, 1963.
Work done as Clinical Associate, MN, NINDB (Dr. Fenichel).
Present address: Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, 34th and Spruce St, Philadelphia 4, (Dr. Shy).
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