Mitochondrial pseudomyasthenia

J Neuroophthalmol. 2010 Sep;30(3):248-51. doi: 10.1097/WNO.0b013e3181e014c8.

Abstract

The classic ocular motor presentation of mitochondrial disorders is chronic, symmetric, and diffuse weakness. We describe a man with 25 years of asymmetric ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, and facial weakness that partially responded to steroid therapy. Serologic and electrophysiological investigations for myasthenia gravis were negative, but muscle biopsy confirmed a mitochondrial myopathy. This case illustrates the potential of mitochondrial ophthalmoparesis to mimic the features of ocular myasthenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / complications
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / diagnosis*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / ultrastructure
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*