Childhood myasthenia gravis in an infant
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi – 110002, India
- Correspondence to: Dr Zia Chaudhuri, E-310, Purvasha, Anand Lok Society, Mayur Vihar phase 1, Delhi-110091, India; drzia{at}bol.net.in
- Accepted 20 January 2002
Myasthenia gravis is defined as an acquired autoimmune disorder where there is abnormal fatiguability of muscles due to deficiency of acetylcholine receptors caused by circulating antibodies directed against them.1 Ocular myasthenia is a form of myasthenia gravis clinically involving only the levator palpebrae superioris, the orbicularis oculi, and the extraocular muscles. Ptosis and ophthalmoplegia, both unilateral and bilateral, constitute the only signs in about 20% cases while in about 70% cases, ocular symptoms mark the onset of generalised myasthenia gravis.1
Case report
We examined a 10 month old male child who presented to us with complaints of ptosis and ophthalmoplegia of the right eye for a month before presentation. The child was born normally at full term to a healthy young mother with an uneventful perinatal and postnatal period. The milestones of the child were recorded as normal. The child had an older sister aged 3 years who gave no history …
