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  • Title: Early and late results after thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective study [correction of analysis].
    Author: Klein M, Heidenreich F, Madjlessi F, Granetzny A, Dauben HP, Schulte HD, Gams E.
    Journal: Thorac Cardiovasc Surg; 1999 Jun; 47(3):170-3. PubMed ID: 10443519.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the early and late outcome of patients treated by surgery for myasthenia gravis and the diagnostic value of the Besinger Score, which is based on a correlation of severity of symptoms with specific antibodies to acetylcholine receptors, in the follow-up investigation after surgical therapy. METHODS: Between June 1984 and April 1992 thoracotomy was performed in 51 myasthenia gravis cases at our department. The retrospective analysis considered patients with (n = 13) or without thymoma (n = 38). The Besinger score was used to describe the severity of disease preoperatively and up to 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The Besinger score fell continually post surgery. Changes in relative serum concentrations of antibodies were similar to the Besinger score. Five years after thymectomy complete remission was diagnosed in 40% of the patients. The required dosage of pyridostigmine had fallen by two thirds after 5 years. Patients with follicular hyperplasia had significantly higher remission rates than those with thymoma. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for myasthenia gravis is successful. The Besinger score well quantifies the severity of the disease.
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