Exophthalmos and thyrotropin-inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) were examined in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with normal thyroid function. Exophthalmos was found in 7 of 31 (22.6%) MG patients, and TBII was detected in 4 of 21 (19.0%) MG patients. The grades of exophthalmos did not decrease after extraocular muscle weakness was improved by treatment. Patients with MG whose diplopia was Tensilon unresponsive were only found among those with exophthalmos. TBII was more frequently detected in MG patients with exophthalmos than in those without. The present study revealed that exophthalmos is not rare in MG patients, even if they do not show any signs of Graves’ disease other than exophthalmos and their thyroid functions are within the normal limit. The presence of TBII in MG patients may relate to the development of exophthalmos, and exophthalmos itself might enhance ocular symptoms of MG.

Keywords:
Myasthenia gravis, Exophthalmos, Graves’ disease, Euthyroid Graves’ disease
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
1995
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.