Dysphagia and Dysphonia, a Pairing of Symptoms Caused by an Unusual Pair of Diseases: Castleman's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a case of coincident Castleman's disease and myasthenia gravis that initially presented as rapidly progressive dysphagia and dysphonia and to review the unique pathophysiology of these two uncommon diagnoses.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

Castleman's disease, angiofollicular or giant lymph node hyperplasia, is a rare benign lymphoid proliferation. Traditionally, the disease is classified based on histologic and clinical characteristics. Fewer than 10 cases with concurrent myasthenia gravis have been reported. Myasthenia gravis and thymic epithelial tumors are both associated with acetylcholine receptor antibody. While patients with isolated Castleman's disease are usually asymptomatic, those who have concurrent myasthenia gravis and undergo surgical treatment are at increased risk of postoperative myasthenic crisis. Both pre- and postoperative plasmapheresis are suggested to improve muscle strength and prevent severe postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of multiple cranial neuropathies including velopalatal insufficiency and bilateral ptosis it is important to consider myasthenia gravis. Castleman's disease occurs rarely in conjunction with myasthenia gravis but may increase the risk of myasthenic crisis.