A Patient with Coexisting Myasthenia Gravis and Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Background

The coexistence of myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is very rare and remains controversial.

Case Report

A 48-year-old woman initially presented with noticeable right ptosis and intermittent diplopia. She then developed fluctuating proximal limb weakness and difficulty in swallowing. The serum titer of anti-acetylcholine-receptor antibody was elevated and the edrophonium (Tensilon) test was positive. However, repetitive nerve stimulation revealed abnormalities typical of LEMS. The patient exhibited a good response to treatment with anticholinesterase inhibitors and steroids, and long-term evaluation disclosed that she presented with the clinical, electrophysiological, and immunological characteristics of both diseases.

Conclusions

The reported clinical and electrophysiological features suggest that this patient was a very rare case of combined MG and LEMS.