ABSTRACT
It is well known that the thymus is necessary for the development of cellular immunity and T lymphocytes. However, once past infancy the thymus seems to have little function and removal causes no alterations in immune function of normal individuals. The role of the thymus in MG is now clearly recognized and thymectomy is an established and accepted therapy as part of the overall treatment plan. Myasthenia is an autoimmune disorder of the postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and manifests as weakness and fatigue of skeletal muscles. Ptosis, diplopia, dystonia, and loss of facial expression are often common early findings. More severe symptoms include severe weakness and even respiratory compromise. Initial medical therapy consists of drugs aimed at blocking the effect of antibodies at the neuromuscular junction. First-line drugs are anticholinesterases, such as pyridostigmine and mestinon. Steroids and other immunosuppressants are used in more severe cases. Plasmapheresis has also been used to filter out antibodies to the acetylcholine receptors.
