Abstract
Objective: We report a case of corticosteroid-induced myopathy with involvement of respiratory muscles observed in a myasthenic patient.Patient: A 37-years-old woman, under corticosteroid treatment for two years for typical myasthenia gravis was admitted to ICU for acute myasthenic respiratory failure. Weaning from mechanical ventilation remained impossible despite 4 plasma exchanges and azathioprin. The patient exhibited a progressive 12kg weight loss with muscular weakness and atrophy.Measurements and results: Peripheral and diaphragmatic electromyography as well as histological study were consistent with a steroid-induced myopathy. Discontinuation of corticosteroid treatment was followed by a rapid weight gain with general improvement and allowed weaning from mechanical ventilation with a complete recovery.Conclusion: This case provides evidence that corticosteroid-induced myopathy may be observed in myasthenia gravis and may involve the respiratory muscles as well as the peripheral musculature.
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Vallet, B., Fourrier, F., Hurtevent, J.F. et al. Myasthenia gravis and steroid-induced myopathy of the respiratory muscles. Intensive Care Med 18, 424–426 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01694346
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01694346