ABSTRACT
DEFINITION Myasthenia gravis is an acquired autoimmune neuromuscular disorder in which serum IgG antibodies (anti-AChRAb) to acetylcholine receptors (AChR) in the post-synaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction lead to receptor loss, and skeletal muscle fatigue and weakness. Myasthenic crisis is when weakness of the muscles of respiration is severe enough for the patient to require mechanical ventilation.
