Unusual Presentation of Myasthenia Gravis as Barium Aspiration Pneumonitis

Authors

  •   Jui Yeshavant Lagoo Department of Anaesthesia, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
  •   Bindu George Department of Anaesthesia, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
  •   Sampa Anupurba Department of Anaesthesia, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
  •   Appanerevanda Muthanna Kutappa Department of Anaesthesia, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka

Keywords:

Aspiration pneumonitis, barium aspiration pneumonitis, barium swallow, dysphagia, myasthenia gravis

Abstract

Isolated dysphagia is a rare form of presentation of myasthenia gravis (MG), resulting in discoordinated peristalsis. Accidental aspiration of barium sulfate may occur during radiological examinations of the upper gastrointestinal system using contrast media in conditions affecting the anatomical and functional integrity of the oropharynx and the esophagus. Though inert, barium may result in severe pulmonary inflammatory reaction and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thus, it is important to identify patients at risk of aspiration. Timely consideration of MG during evaluation of dysphagia is crucial to prevent complications and improve the quality of life. Whenever neuromuscular weakness is suspected, videofluroscopic technique for barium swallow needs to be advocated. We, hereby, report an unusual case of MG who presented with dysphagia only and developed fatal barium aspiration pneumonitis.

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Published

2015-04-01

How to Cite

Lagoo, J. Y., George, B., Anupurba, S., & Kutappa, A. M. (2015). Unusual Presentation of Myasthenia Gravis as Barium Aspiration Pneumonitis. Karnataka Anaesthesia Journal, 1(2), 89–91. Retrieved from http://karnatakaanesthesiajournal.in/index.php/kaj/article/view/139252

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 2, April-June 2015

Section

Case Reports

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