Undiagnosed myasthenia gravis masquerading as eclampsia

SummaryThis case describes an apparently healthy 21-year-old parturient who presented at term with a prolapsed cord requiring immediate cesarean section. She experienced postoperative seizures. After a presumptive diagnosis of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate was given. During a complicated postoperative course, ventilatory failure necessitating multiple intubations eventually led to a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. This report describes how the signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis may mimic post-partum eclampsia as well as worsen the side effects of magnesium therapy.