Question

PATIENT’S CHIEF COMPLAINTS

double vision
axial limb weakness
difficulty swallowing

PAST MEDICAL HISTORY

35 year old white female
fracture of radius at age 10

FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY

mother diagnosed with mild osteoporosis
sister, age 29, has Type I diabetes
one daughter and two sons exhibiting no major health problems

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Height = 5’2”                                      
Weight = 115 lbs
Body temperature = 98.9^o F
Heart rate = 76 bpm
Blood pressure = 115/75 mm Hg
Respiratory Rate = 14 bpm

LABORATORY TESTS

Complete blood count (CBC) - normal
Standard laboratory tests - normal
EKG - normal
Chest X-ray – enlargement of upper mediastinum
Chest computed tomography (CAT scan) – smooth mass in upper mediastinum
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies elevated

9.)Identify three other diseases caused by the same general mechanism.

10.  What treatment would you recommend resolving the patient’s problem?  Discuss
        two options.

Answer 1

these investigations and examinations show a neuromuscular disease, that affects the muscle and nervous system, it caused by autoimmune disorders.

examples of neuromuscular diseases are

1. myasthenia gravis

2. multiple sclerosis

3. spinal muscular atrophy

4. Parkinsons disease.

treatment options:

immunosuppressant therapy: it helps to reduce the autoimmune process. eg. prednisone

plasmapheresis: it helps to remove the unwanted antibodies from the circulation.

pain management