Myasthenia gravis associated with HTLV-I infection and atypical brain lesions

Muscle Nerve. 2007 Apr;35(4):525-8. doi: 10.1002/mus.20694.

Abstract

We report a patient who experienced progressive diplopia and distal weakness of the upper limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed extensive white matter lesions and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid revealed acute human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infection. Myasthenia gravis (MG) was evidenced by electromyography (EMG) and antibodies against acetylcholine receptor. This unusual case of MG associated with HTLV-I infection and brain-restricted lesions underscores the possible link between viruses and MG pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Brain / immunology
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / virology*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / virology
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • HTLV-I Infections / complications*
  • HTLV-I Infections / diagnosis*
  • HTLV-I Infections / physiopathology
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Muscle, Skeletal / immunology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / virology*
  • Neuromuscular Junction / immunology
  • Neuromuscular Junction / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / immunology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, Nicotinic