Pembrolizumab-Induced Myositis Presenting with Ocular Symptom and Head Drop in a Patient with Positive Acetylcholine Receptor Binding Antibody

A 55-year-old man with malignant thymoma and pre-existing acetylcholine receptor antibodies developed ptosis and head drop after pembrolizumab treatment. Although recurrence of myasthenia gravis was initially suspected, markedly elevated creatine kinase levels and myopathic findings on electromyography supported immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myositis. This case highlights that ocular and respiratory symptom after ICI therapy should raise suspicion for ICI-induced myositis, even in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive patients.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
Published
2026-11-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2026.0030
Primary Topic
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Pembrolizumab-Induced Myositis Presenting with Ocular Symptom and Head Drop in a Patient with Positive Acetylcholine Receptor Binding Antibody

Ye‐Ri Kim, Jin-Sung Park, Minsung Kang
3 links
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
article

Pembrolizumab-Induced Myositis Presenting with Ocular Symptom and Head Drop in a Patient with Positive Acetylcholine Receptor Binding Antibody

Ye‐Ri Kim, Jin-Sung Park, Minsung Kang
article en

Abstract

A 55-year-old man with malignant thymoma and pre-existing acetylcholine receptor antibodies developed ptosis and head drop after pembrolizumab treatment. Although recurrence of myasthenia gravis was initially suspected, markedly elevated creatine kinase levels and myopathic findings on electromyography supported immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myositis. This case highlights that ocular and respiratory symptom after ICI therapy should raise suspicion for ICI-induced myositis, even in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive patients.

Journal of the Korean Neurological AssociationVol. 44(4)
Kyungpook National University (KR), Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital (KR)
Korea Brain Research Institute, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers
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