[Ice pack test in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis]

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate the sensitivity and the specificity of the ice test in the differential diagnosis of ptosis in myasthenia gravis.

Methods: Prospective trial with a control group. The patients were instructed to hold a frozen ice pack on the closed ptotic eyelid. They were divided into 2 groups, with group I consisting of patients with myasthenia gravis and group II (control) consisting of patients with congenital, non-myasthenic myogenic or aponeurotic ptosis.

Results: All patients in group I had increased palpebral fissure for at least 3 mm after the application of ice pack. No patient in group II showed increased palpebral fissure after the ice test.

Conclusion: Ice test proved to be specific for the detection of myasthenic ptosis.