Cushing’s syndrome developing myasthenia gravis with takotsubo cardiomyopathy after adrenalectomy: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Several cases of autoimmune disease onset after treatment for Cushing’s syndrome have been reported. Case presentation Herein, we report a case of myasthenia gravis crisis in a 51-year-old woman 2 months after adrenalectomy for adrenal Cushing’s syndrome accompanied by takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The resolution of excessive endogenous cortisol after adrenalectomy may have triggered the onset of previously latent myasthenia gravis. Conclusions Observing the similarities in symptoms between myasthenia gravis and adrenal crisis, which can sometimes be challenging to differentiate, is essential. Moreover, the presence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy as a non-motor manifestation of myasthenic crisis must be noted.

Keywords

• Cushing’s syndrome
• Myasthenia gravis
• Autoimmune disease
• Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
• Cortisol