Myasthenia gravis Associated with Thymoma: Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcome

Abstract

We studied 111 myasthenic patients with thymoma followed over the last 20 years. Most patients were affected with severe myasthenia gravis (MG) and had been treated with immunosuppressive drugs. At the end of the follow-up, we observed good therapeutic results in 74% of patients, but a complete remission in only 10% of cases. The survival rate in thymoma patients was significantly lower than in nonthymoma cases. Clinical parameters, MG response to treatment and survival rate did not differ in patients with invasive and noninvasive thymic neoplasms. Patients with invasive thymoma showed slightly higher surgical mortality and a 10% incidence of tumor relapse.

Alopecia Areata Associated with Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma: A Case of Alopecia with Marked Improvement Following Thymectomy and High Level Prednisolone Administration

“…Tanaka et al reported that alopecia areata is seen in 10.2% of all MG patients (2). In contrast, Muller et al found only two cases of MG associated with thymoma among 736 cases of alopecia areata (10), and Palmisani et al reported only two cases of alopecia areata among 555 cases ofMG patients (11).…”

Remission of Myasthenia Gravis in Association with Unresectable, Invasive Thymoma

“…4–7 This patient's tumor failed to reduce in size and showed progression, involving the spine. Second, contrary to what was expected, 7 tumor progression was not associated with disease deterioration. Third, in spite of the above, she remained asymptomatic throughout and in the two subsequent years after tapering off her medication.…”

“…The severity of her symptoms, a large tumor unamenable to resection, invading adjacent thoracic structures, and epithelial histology, heralded a poor prognosis. 6,7,9…”

Repetitive stimulation of the long thoracic nerve in myasthenia gravis: clinical and electrophysiological correlations

“…As in other series, the presence of a thymoma was associated with more severe disease and a worse outcome. [16][17][18] In our experience, it is this group of patients in whom particular vigilance is needed in case they develop severe respiratory complications. The results of repetitive long thoracic nerve stimulation in our series showed a good correlation with respiratory symptoms and management requirements (respiratory function monitoring and support).…”