Double Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis with Anti-LRP4 Antibodies Presenting with Dropped Head and Acute Respiratory Insufficiency

Intern Med. 2016;55(22):3361-3363. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.7030. Epub 2016 Nov 15.

Abstract

We herein report the case of a 72-year-old man demonstrating myasthenia gravis (MG) with a dropped head and acute respiratory insufficiency. There was no ocular, bulbar, or limb involvement. The patient was seronegative for anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies. Subsequent tests showed seropositivity for anti-low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) antibodies. The addition of steroid pulse therapy resulted in a full remission of his respiratory symptoms. This presentation suggests that LRP4-positive MG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute respiratory insufficiency without either cranial or limb involvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins / immunology*
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology*

Substances

  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
  • LRP4 protein, human