Myasthenia gravis presenting as dysphagia: clinical considerations

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction that causes muscle weakness. Involvement of oropharyngeal musculature is not uncommon, which leads to dysphagia. Timely consideration of myasthenia gravis in evaluating dysphagia is crucial to prevent complications and to improve the quality of life of these patients. We report four patients who underwent extensive investigations for dysphagia, by gastroenterologists as well as otolaryngologists, before the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was established.