Catalog

Myasthenia gravis, AChR antibody positive

No MMS code

Link to WHO Definition

Myasthenia gravis, AChR antibody positive – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/353120348

Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) positive Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is the most prevalent type of MG. The antibodies are directed against postsynaptic proteins, usually the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, making up 80% of all generalised MG patients. Fluctuating weakness increasing with repeated activity and improving after a period of rest is the characteristic hallmark. Half of the ocular MG patients (manifesting with fluctuating ptosis and diplopia) are AChR positive. 90% of early-onset (<40-50 years) generalised MG patients, typically females, are positive for AChR antibodies and usually have thymus hyperplasia. Most late-onset patients (either male or female) are also AChR positive and have atrophic thymuses.