Neurol. praxi. 2011;12(5):359-362

Myasthenia gravis - correlation with influenza vaccination

MUDr.Jana Junkerová¹, MUDr.Olga Zapletalová¹, MUDr.Jan Živný, Ph.D.²

¹ Neurologická klinika FN Ostrava

² Ústav patologické fyziologie, 1. LF UK, Praha

We present a case of aged married couple with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG). Clinical diagnosis was supported by EMG findings and

evidence of antibody production against acetylcholin receptors. Myasthenia gravis clinically manifested several weeks after vaccination

against influenza and subsequent viral infection with fever in both patients. The failure of immune tolerance and the development of

organ-specific autoimmune disease emerged in polymorbid individuals. We assume that both patients developed MG on the ground of

pre-existing disorders of the immune system (hypothyroidism). Iatrogenic (immunization) or viral infection resulted in the stimulation

of the immune defense response which led to the deregulation of immune tolerance and clinical manifestations of MG. Noticeable is the

close relation between the immunization, viral infection and development of the symptoms in both individuals.

Keywords: myasthenia gravis, vaccinations, viral infection

Published: November 1, 2011  Show citation