TLDR A man developed myasthenia gravis after alopecia areata, and treatment improved his symptoms and stopped hair loss.
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.
16 citations,
January 2022 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Certain daily habits like stress, diet, and sleep can affect the severity of hair loss in alopecia areata.
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December 2018 in “Internal Medicine” Myasthenia gravis can affect both motor and non-motor systems due to immune system issues.
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June 2011 in “Journal of the neurological sciences” Removing the thymoma improved the man's autoimmune conditions.
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August 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica” Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for alopecia areata, but many patients need better options.
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November 2022 in “Journal of autoimmunity” JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib may effectively treat Alopecia Areata.
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April 2016 in “Case Reports in Dermatology” Tofacitinib temporarily regrew hair in a man with alopecia, but its effects didn't last.
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June 2015 in “Veterinary dermatology” A dog with complete hair loss regrew most hair after treatment, with no relapse after stopping treatment.
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April 2003 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” PUVA treatment led to significant hair regrowth in over half of the patients with alopecia areata totalis and universalis.
