A Case of Myasthenia Gravis Following Alopecia Areata

This case report describes a 41-year-old male who developed myasthenia gravis (MG) following alopecia areata (AA). The patient initially experienced hair loss, which was confirmed as AA through clinical and histological analysis. Subsequently, he developed symptoms of MG, including drooping eyelids and diplopia, which were alleviated with edrophonium and confirmed by elevated antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies. Treatment with prednisolone and tacrolimus improved both conditions. The report highlights the comorbidity of AA and MG, noting that out of 29 reported cases, 7 developed MG after AA, with an average onset time of 16.6 months. The study suggests a potential immunological link between the two conditions, possibly involving acetylcholine receptors in hair follicles. The authors emphasize the need for caution due to the risk of exacerbation of these autoimmune diseases.