Efgartigimod is a new option for the treatment of thymoma associated myasthenia gravis: A case report.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The perioperative efficacy and safety of efgartigimod in patients with thymoma associated myasthenia gravis have not been reported. CASE PRESENTATION We described the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented thymoma associated myasthenia gravis. Primarily, the patient was treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressive medications, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Unfortunately, the control of symptoms was unsatisfactory. The patient was treated with recommended dosage of efgartigimod (10 mg/kg administered as a 1 h intravenous infusion once weekly for 2 weeks) combined with immunosuppressive therapy. Consequently, improved outcomes and rapid clinical remission were observed. Then, modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed smoothly and the patient was discharged from hospital after recovery in short time. DISCUSSION: Administration of efgartigimod could control symptoms significantly and rapidly. Efgartigimod provides the opportunity of thymectomy in short time. Importantly, there was no any perioperative complication or any adverse event related to efgartigimod. CONCLUSION: The improved outcomes of the patient with thymoma associated myasthenia gravis highlight the importance of efgartigimod. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to validate the safety and efficacy of efgartigimod during the perioperative period of thymectomy.