American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntary muscles, and it is most commonly associated with thymoma. The thymus gland plays a key role in the development of the immune system, particularly in the maturation of T cells, which can affect the production of antibodies that attack the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

In individuals with myasthenia gravis, there is a notable association with thymic abnormalities, particularly thymoma, which is a tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the thymus. It is observed that up to 10-15% of patients with myasthenia gravis may have a thymoma, and the presence of this tumor can be linked to the severity of the autoimmune response.

Thyroid carcinoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are not typically associated with myasthenia gravis. While other conditions may have their own associations with autoimmune or neuromuscular disorders, thymoma stands out significantly in the context of this specific autoimmune condition. Thus, recognizing the link between thymoma and myasthenia gravis is essential for both diagnosis and potential treatment considerations.