Ice pack test: is it obsolete?

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Jul 28:2011:bcr0420114066. doi: 10.1136/bcr.04.2011.4066.

Abstract

Ophthalmologic signs are the most often presenting symptoms of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), most common being ptosis. However, ptosis may be caused by a variety of non-myasthenic disorders; hence, the distinction between them and myasthenic ptosis is critical. A battery of diagnostic tests are available to establish the diagnosis of MG, all having their pros and cons, some being life threatening. The authors present a case of 40-year-old male who presented to them with progressive weakness and double vision in which they were successful in narrowing the differentials to myasthenia by performing a simple bed side test.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blepharoptosis / diagnosis*
  • Blepharoptosis / drug therapy
  • Blepharoptosis / etiology
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diplopia / diagnosis*
  • Diplopia / drug therapy
  • Diplopia / etiology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Ice*
  • Male
  • Myasthenia Gravis / complications
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy
  • Prednisolone
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Ice
  • Prednisolone
  • Pyridostigmine Bromide