Complete Remission of Generalized Myasthenia Gravis by Corticosteroid Treatment Alone without Thymectomy

Abstract

Many long-term, follow-up studies have shown that steroids are effective in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) who have undergone thymectomy. However, few long-term studies have documented the response of MG to steroids alone. We describe two patients who successfully resolved the symptoms of MG without myasthenic crisis or serious side effects by steroid treatment without thymectomy or other alternative therapies for more than 19 years. Our experiences raise an open question of the role of thymectomy or steroid treatment alone, especially in MG patients without thymoma.

Keywords

• Myasthenia gravis
• Steroid
• Corticosteroid treatment
• Thymectomy
• Immunotherapy