Musk-antibody positive myasthenia gravis presenting with isolated neck extensor weakness

Neuromuscul Disord. 2007 Jul;17(7):544-6. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2007.03.007. Epub 2007 May 29.

Abstract

Dropped head sign is characterized by the gradual forward sagging of the head due to weakness of neck extensor muscles. This may be a prominent sign of several neuromuscular disorders and may be an isolated feature of myasthenia gravis (MG). We describe a patient with isolated neck extensor weakness, eletrophysiological findings suggesting myasthenia gravis and positive MuSK antibodies. This case supports that finding anti-MuSK antibodies may be extremely helpful in dropped head patients and negative acetylcholine receptor antibodies especially if needle EMG does not reveal myopathic or neurogenic patterns.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Action Potentials / radiation effects
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology*
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / immunology
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / pathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / physiopathology
  • Neck Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • MUSK protein, human
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases