Neurogenic muscle atrophy in myasthenia gravis. Issue 3 (June 1972)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brownell, Betty; Oppenheimer, D. R.; Spalding, J. M. K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 35:Issue 3(1972)
• Page Start: 311
• Page End: 322
• Publication Date: 1972-06
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.35.3.311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Two cases of severe myasthenia gravis are described, with histological findings. Both cases showed severe neurogenic atrophy of the muscles of the tongue, with fatty pseudohypertrophy and a remarkable proliferation of terminal nerve fibres. Similar, but less severe, changes were present in other bulbar muscles. The findings are in keeping with the view that functional interruption at the neuromuscular junctions results first in failure to transmit the contractile impulse, and at a later stage in denervation atrophy. Terminal proliferation of axons is regarded as an attempt, on the part of motor fibres, to compensate for the breakdown of normal neuromuscular interaction.