Korean J Med.
2013 Dec;85(6):619-622.
A Case of Complete Heart Block in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis Associated with Thymoma
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea. cardionh@wonkwang.ac.kr
Abstract
- Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by antibodies against acetylcholine receptors in skeletal muscle. Myocardial involvement can present as myocarditis, ventricular tachycardia, heart failure and sudden death. However, advanced heart block is a very rare symptom. We report the case of a 69-year-old male who experienced dizziness and ptosis for one-month prior. He was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and thymoma accompanied by complete atrioventricular block. The dizziness disappeared after implantation of a permanent pacemaker and the advanced heart block was resolved after surgical removal of the thymoma.
