Myasthenia gravis in the elderly.

During a 15-year period in Jerusalem, myasthenia gravis was diagnosed in 15 patients aged 60 or older. At this age, diagnosis is difficult because of such possible associated conditions as cerebrovascular and cardiovascular arteriosclerotic diseases or bronchopulmonary disorders. The clinical course often is complicated by these associated conditions, and also by their treatment. Seven of the patients died within 4 years of the onset of their illness, but only 5 because of myasthenia gravis. This disease represents an important diagnostic and therapeutic problem in elderly patients.