SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and new-onset myasthenia gravis: A report of 7 cases and review of the literature.
Ramdas S., Hum RM., Price A., Paul A., Bland J., Burke G., Farrugia M., Palace J., Storrie A., Ho P., Standing E., Lilleker JB., Jungbluth H.
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated immune disorder of the neuromuscular junction. SARS-CoV-2 is now recognised as a trigger factor for autoimmune diseases and to cause immune-mediated dysregulation, likely due to molecular mimicry induced by viral antigens. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, similarly, results in exposure to viral antigen. Here we report 7 cases of new-onset myasthenia gravis in timely association with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, including the first paediatric case identified to date. We also reviewed the literature for other new-onset MG cases reported within 4 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and discuss our findings in the context of altered (auto)immunity following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and/or infection.