Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis and evaluation of its efficacy

  • Published:
Journal of Tongji Medical University Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

This paper reports 30 cases of myasthenia gravis (MG) treated by thymectomy from 1965 to 1990 in our hospital. Of all the 30 cases of MG, peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulation was determined in 10, and anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody titer in 6, before and after operation. The results demonstrated the efficacy of thymectomy against MG. We considered that with application of hormone before and after operation to regulate immune function of the body, and/or with plasma exchange to remiss symptoms, all the patients with generalized MG may be indicated for treatment by thymectomy. Indication of treatment does not depend on age, sex and the course of the disease. But radical operation, proper anesthesia and appropriate use of antibiotics may ensure safety of the operation and its curative effect.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Späth G, et al. Complication and efficacy of transsternal thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Thorac Cardiovasc Surgeon 1987;35:283–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Patrick J, Lindstrom J. Autoimmune response to acetylcholine. Science 1973; 180:871.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Berrih S, et al. Depletion of helper/inducer T cells after thymectomy in myasthenic patients. Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1983;28:272–81.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Fuji Y, et al. Acetylcholine receptor antibody-producing cells in thymus and lymph nodes in myasthenia gravis. Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1985;34: 141–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Dalakas MC, et al. Increased circulation of T lymphocytes bearing surface thymosin α1 in patients with myasthenia gravis: effect of thymectomy. Neurology 1983;33:144–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Wekerle H, et al. Intrathymic pathogenesis and dual genetic control of myasthenia gravis. Lancet 1977;1:687.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiothoracic Section of Department of Surgery, China

    Pan Tie-cheng, Chen Qi-fu, Zhang Liang-hua, Shen Yuan-zhong & Xie Zhao-ping

  2. Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan

    Yang Ming-shan, Bu Bi-tao & Cao Xue-bing

Authors
  1. Pan Tie-cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chen Qi-fu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhang Liang-hua
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Shen Yuan-zhong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Xie Zhao-ping
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yang Ming-shan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Bu Bi-tao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Cao Xue-bing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tie-cheng, P., Qi-fu, C., Liang-hua, Z. et al. Surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis and evaluation of its efficacy. Journal of Tongji Medical University 11, 106–110 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02888097

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02888097

Key words

Search

Navigation