Finger Flexor Weakness in Myasthenia Gravis.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) affects the ocular, bulbar, and proximal limb muscles. The involvement of distal limb musclesis uncommon. MG-related weakness that severely affects the finger flexors and spares finger extensors and intrinsic hand muscles have never been reported. Here, we report a 35-year-old woman with acetylcholine receptor-antibody positive generalised MG who presented with severe bilateral asymmetric (left worse than right) finger flexor weakness during an MG relapse. The remaining muscles including the median and ulnar intrinsic hand muscles were normal. Repetitive nerve stimulation test showed decremental responses of more than 10%. Magnetic resonance imaging showed short-T1 inversion recovery sequences and increased signal intensities in the volar forearm muscles. Needle electromyography revealed fibrillations and positive sharp waves, small amplitude, short-duration, and polyphasic early recruiting motor unit action potentials. Myositis-specific autoantibodies were negative. Muscle biopsy showed neurogenic features. The patient had a good recovery with immunotherapy. We conclude that clinicians should be aware that marked weakness of the finger flexors can occur as a result of an MG relapse and may require early aggressive therapy. Key Words: Electromyography, Finger flexors, Muscle, Biopsy, Myasthenia gravis.