Statin-associated weakness in myasthenia gravis: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis is a commonly undiagnosed condition in the elderly. Statin medications can cause weakness and are linked to the development and deterioration of several autoimmune conditions, including myasthenia gravis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 60-year-old Caucasian man who presented with acute onset of dysarthria and dysphagia initially attributed to a brain stem stroke. Oculobulbar and limb weakness progressed until myasthenia gravis was diagnosed and treated, and until statin therapy was finally withdrawn. CONCLUSION: Myasthenia gravis may be underappreciated as a cause of acute bulbar weakness among the elderly. Statin therapy appeared to have contributed to the weakness in our patient who was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.