Pericardial Tamponade as the Initial Sign of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Within Myasthenia Gravis Patient

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder, mediated by numerous auto antibodies that has many different clinical manifestations and frequently affects the cardiac system. Pericarditis and pericardial effusion are well recognised cardiac complications. SLE is rarely reported with Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by the dysfunction of neuromuscular junctions mediated the antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor and presents with weakness, fatigability of skeletal muscle. Thymectomy is a therapeutic option for patients with severe MG. Here we report a case, presented with dyspnea and revealed pericardial tamponade, pleural effusion who was diagnosed with SLE, three years after thymectomy performed for MG. Pericardial tamponade and pleural effusion are the first sign of SLE very rare and thymectomy facilitated the development of SLE. © 2018 OMU