Penicillamine –Associated Myasthenia Presenting as Respiratory Failure

Abstract

A classical Rheumatoid arthritis patient having Penicillamine developed serve breathless and generalized muscle weakness. A Ch R anibodies supported the diagnosis of Penicillamine-associated Myasthenia. The patient is reported as he had some atypical features: 1. respiratory failure as a presenting feature is rare 2. major clinical feature of ocular symptoms were absent 3. No definite response to anticholinesterase agents and 4. plasma exchange resulted in a decrease in A Ch R antibodies but there was no associated clinical response.